A Family's Call For Help Ends in Tragedy
Jaime Naranjo, a 55-year-old husband, father, and grandfather, was tragically shot and killed by Sacramento County deputies on September 25, 2022, during a welfare check. Jaime was experiencing a mental health crisis with hallucinations and suicidal thoughts while holding a machete. His wife, Elisa Daher, seeking to protect and help her husband, called 911 for assistance.
A Rapidly Escalating Encounter
Deputy Andrew Seidel and other officers responded to the call. Within just 23 seconds of their arrival, Jaime was fatally shot. The deputies claimed Jaime advanced toward them while holding the machete, leaving them no choice but to use lethal force. However, alternative methods, like tasers or non-lethal interventions, could have been employed to de-escalate the situation without ending in tragedy.
This incident occurred despite the existence of Sacramento County’s Mobile Crisis Support Team, a program funded by Proposition 63 to address mental health emergencies with trained professionals. The team’s shift hadn’t started that morning, leaving law enforcement alone to intervene in the situation.
Calls for Accountability and Reform
The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office has faced criticism for the way it handles mental health crises, especially with its troubling history of using deadly force. While no immediate policy changes were implemented after Jaime's death, his case reignited debates about the role of police in responding to mental health emergencies. Advocacy groups like the National Police Accountability Project (NPAP) and Disability Law United (DLU) joined Jaime’s family in filing a federal lawsuit in September 2024. The suit seeks justice for Jaime’s death and calls for systemic change, emphasizing the urgent need for non-lethal approaches and greater reliance on mental health professionals during crisis situations.
A Legacy of Love and Advocacy
Jaime’s family remembers him as a kind, hardworking man who was deeply devoted to his loved ones. His daughter, Shavon Acosta, describes him as someone who liked fishing and always inspired her to strive for her best. She fondly recalls, “My dad was a hard-working man. He supported his family, his grandchildren, he loved all his sisters, his wife, his mother. He loved everybody.” (Manna, 2022) Jaime leaves behind his wife, three daughters, and ten grandchildren, who all remember him with love and continue to push for change.
We say his name: Jaime Naranjo, and cherish the impact he made on everyone who knew him.