Judge: Anaheim Must Release Police-Shooting Evidence

Digging ever-closer to the truth

A federal judge Monday said Anaheim must turn over various documents and reports sought by the family of a man shot and killed by a police officer but need not give up documents directly related to or provide access to the officer himself for questions and depositions to preserve his constitutional rights.

Still, U.S. District Judge James Selna said in his order that statements officer Nick Bennallack has made to the city or the Police Department are not protected.

Bennallack was named in a civil lawsuit filed by the family of Manuel Diaz, 25, whose July 21 shooting, followed by another officer-involved fatal shooting the next day, triggered protests in Anaheim.