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Santa Cruz Sheriffs Shoot and Kill a 15-Year-Old Aptos High Student

by Santa Cruz Police News
Luke Smith, a 15-year-old Aptos High sophomore, was shot and killed by deputies with the Santa Cruz Sheriff's Office on November 19.
sm_luke_smith_aptos_high.jpg
Luke was killed by deputies after allegedly stabbing two individuals with a four-inch blade knife on the 800 block of Amesti Road. He maintained possession of the knife, and was advancing towards deputies with it when he was killed on the 300 block of Pioneer road, according to a November 19 press release from the Sheriff's Office. Later at a press conference, Sheriff Jim Hart said deputies tried using tasers and foam rounds in an attempt to subdue Luke. They then used a canine. Hart said it was when Luke struggled with the canine, he was shot.

According to a report from KSBW, students identified Luke as the victim of the killing at a gathering that took place outside of the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office on the afternoon of November 19. The report quotes a friend of Luke, who stated at the gathering, "He was active. He was a skate aficionado. He was brilliant. Just tragic".

An unconfirmed story is being circulated on social media that alleges the 15-year-old was under the influence at the time of his killing, but an Aptos High parent posted the following statement about Luke on Facebook:

"This kid was a student, football player, and just a kid, at my sons high school, I'm sure the school will be bombarded with support, it's merely rumor that he was on acid, but please share the danger of drugs with your own kids, this was surely very uncharacteristic of this boy, but now he is dead, and that within it's self is the ultimate sadness!"
§The Truth
by Savannah Smith
I am Luke's sister. He was most definitely under the influence of drugs. He did not play football. Get your story straight and do better research because my Facebook post is not a 'rumor.'
§Body Camera Video Footage Released to Public
by Santa Cruz Police News
Santa Cruz Sheriff's Deputy Chris Vigil has been identified as the law enforcement officer who shot Luke. He used an AR-15 assault rifle.

Body camera video footage of Luke being killed has been released to the public by the Sheriff's Office:

Body Camera Video of the Killing of Luke Smith by Police and Santa Cruz Sheriffs
https://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2016/11/21/18793994.php

The video shows that after deploying "less lethal" rounds at Luke, and tasing him, a canine was deployed. Luke was then shot with an AR15 rifle. After being shot with the firearm, and while lying on the ground, police shoot him with less lethal rounds and the taser again. Sheriffs then deployed the canine again, and the dog bit and attacked Luke as the teenager struggled and moved on the ground during his last moments of life. The dog continued to bite Luke for a few seconds until the 15-year-old stopped moving.

Sheriff Jim Hart said Luke was shot when the teenager made, "a stabbing motion toward the dog and then lunges toward the dog handler.”

Besides five other Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office deputies who were involved, two Capitola and three Watsonville police officers were also involved in the killing.

Sheriff Hart said four people have been arrested for allegedly selling drugs to Luke and a friend of his.

A memorial fund for Luke has been created:

Memorial Fund Established for Luke Smith
https://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2016/11/21/18793946.php
§Aptos High Surf Team Plans Paddle Out for Luke
by Santa Cruz Police News
luke_smith_aptos_high.jpg
"You will be missed Luke Smith. The Aptos community, AJHS and AHS surf teams will not be the same without your presence. May you rest in peace and may your family be lifted up and wrapped in comfort from the memories of your vibrant life. The AJHS and AHS surf communities are planning a paddle out for you ... date, time and location to be determined and posted soon."

https://www.facebook.com/Aptos-High-Surf-Team-418221014993048/

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via SC Sheriff's Office
Mon, Nov 21, 2016 6:02PM
via SC Sheriff's Office
Mon, Nov 21, 2016 5:49PM
Santa Cruz Police News
Mon, Nov 21, 2016 1:43AM
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