Donations Sought for Family of 17-Year-Old Killed by Santa Cruz Sheriffs

According to a Sheriff's Department press release, deputies were dispatched to the Boulder Creek home, which is located on Fern Avenue, at 10:33 pm when Hurtado's grandparents called 911 to report the teenager had physically struck his grandfather. Deputies say when they arrived they were told by his grandparents that Hurtado had just killed a family pet and was inside of their house where he had access to guns. Eight deputies with the Santa Cruz Sheriff's Department would eventually arrive according to reports. A perimeter was established around the home and fire and ambulance services were staged nearby.

According to the press release, Hurtado was shot and killed just after 11:16 pm when he emerged from the house holding a Winchester rifle. Two deputies shot Hurtado four times. The boy died on the operating table in a regional trauma center at 4:22 am on July 10.

According to Sheriffs, the teenager had been placed on a mental health hold after a 2013 incident at the same home of his grandparents. A person claiming to be a friend of the family has stated online that Hurtado was taking prescription medications, but he appeared to be fine a few days before the shooting.

At a press conference held on July 10 at 11 am, Santa Cruz District Attorney Jeff Rosell said people should still call 911 during situations like this, even though the result could end in the death of their loved one.

A private funeral for Hurtado is planned for this week.

Donations to his family can be made through Valley Churches United Missions.

Valley Churches United Missions

http://www.vcum.org
https://www.facebook.com/valleychurchesunitedmissions