DA Says Sunnyvale Officer Lawfully Shot and Killed Knife-wielding Resident in 2024

The Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office concluded last year that Officer Kevin Lemos acted lawfully when he shot and killed Emmanuel Perez-Becerra, who charged at him with a kitchen knife. Perez-Becerra had called 911 himself and was in a mentally distressed state. Despite warnings, he advanced on Officer Lemos, prompting the officer to shoot in self-defense. The report indicated that the incident was tragic for both the officer and the victim's family, suggesting possible suicidal behavior due to Perez-Becerra's mental health struggles.

"This incident is unquestionably heartbreaking for both the officer and the decedent's family. The evidence strongly suggests that Perez-Becerra may have committed 'suicide by cop' due to a years-long battle with depression and schizophrenia."

"The officer then fired two rounds from his department-issued handgun. Both bullets struck Perez-Becerra in the chest, killing him."

Read at San Jose Inside