Dexter Luckett, 23, of Bellflower, California, was fatally shot by Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputies on June 16, 2010. Deputies had responded to reports of shots fired in the 16100 block of Eucalyptus Avenue and were directed by witnesses to the rear of an apartment complex, where they encountered Luckett, who reportedly matched the shooter description.

Officials say a deputy ordered Luckett to raise his hands and place them on a patrol car hood; Luckett at first complied but then allegedly moved a hand toward his waistband, and a deputy fired. He was struck twice, in the arm and torso, and was pronounced dead later that night at a local hospital. No weapon was found at the scene.

Friends and family, including his best friend Anthony Jefferson, disputed the account and said Luckett was likely pulling up his pants rather than reaching for a gun. There were no immediate arrests or charges filed against the deputies, and the shooting drew scrutiny as part of broader debate over deadly force in Los Angeles County.