Family of man killed in Cerritos deputy-involved shooting demand transparency

CERRITOS, Calif. (KABC) -- Community members held a march Sunday in Cerritos, demanding justice for a young black man who was shot and killed by a Los Angeles County sheriff's deputy earlier this month.

Dozens gathered at the scene of the shooting in the 17200 block of Pires Avenue and marched to the sheriff's station.

Deputies say 21-year-old Nephi Arriguin was shot and killed on May 7 as he allegedly attempted to run over a deputy with his car. Deputies had been investigating reports of a suspicious couple knocking on doors in the neighborhood.

After he was shot, Arriguin's car crashed into an electrical box, taking down a light pole and shearing a fire hydrant. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Using sign language, the victim's mother, Carla Wade, talked about her son.

"He was a good man, he was a good person, he didn't deserve it," Wade said. "Inside and outside, he was a beautiful person. He's loving, caring, respectful and everything."

Family members said Arriguin's girlfriend is five-months pregnant.

The family wants an open and transparent investigation. They're asking for all evidence in the case to be released so that they can judge what happened for themselves.

Anyone with further information about this incident was encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500.