On December 19, 2022, 28-year-old Brandon Varao died after an officer-involved shooting in King City, California. According to reports, a family dispute escalated when Brandon allegedly stabbed his brother. Police were called to a Bluff Avenue residence; officers encountered Brandon reportedly brandishing a knife and, after he charged at them, three officers fired, striking him multiple times. Family members say Brandon was shot four times in the chest, that at least eight rounds were fired and that his mother and the family dog were grazed by bullets. They contend non-lethal options such as a taser were not used and that no immediate attempt was made to revive him after he was handcuffed.

The Monterey County District Attorney’s Office is handling the investigation and says officers fired in self-defense; body camera footage and interviews are being reviewed. The family is calling for changes to police protocols and accountability. Does anyone have additional information about the incident or about Brandon’s life in King City?