Yong Yang
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Yong Yang | |
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| Born | 1984 South Korea |
| Died | May 2, 2024 Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Nationality | Korean American |
| Known for | Victim of fatal LAPD shooting during mental health crisis |
Yong Yang (1984 – May 2, 2024) was a Korean American man who was fatally shot by a Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officer during a mental health crisis at his family's Koreatown apartment. The incident drew national attention and sparked discussions about law enforcement's handling of mental health emergencies.
Background
Yang had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and schizoaffective disorder. On May 2, 2024, his family contacted the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (DMH) seeking assistance for his mental health crisis. A DMH clinician and assistant arrived at the scene but called 911 shortly after, alleging that Yang had attempted to attack the clinician with a knife.[1]
Incident
LAPD officers, including Officer Andres Lopez, responded to the 911 call. Upon arrival, they entered the apartment using a key provided by the family. Inside, they encountered Yang holding a kitchen knife. Officer Lopez fired multiple shots, fatally wounding Yang in the living room.[2]
Aftermath
The LAPD's Force Investigation Division conducted a review of the incident. In April 2025, the Los Angeles Police Commission concluded that while the use of deadly force was within policy, Officer Lopez's tactics deviated from department-approved training and warranted administrative disapproval.[3]
Yang's family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the city, alleging excessive force and failure to accommodate his mental health condition. They have also demanded the release of all evidence related to the shooting.[4]
Community Response
The incident prompted protests and calls for police reform, particularly concerning the handling of mental health crises. Community leaders and advocacy groups have highlighted the need for alternative response models that prioritize de-escalation and mental health expertise. [1]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Helou Hernandez, Samanta (June 13, 2024). "LA Family Called County Clinicians, Not Police, During A Mental Health Crisis. It Still Ended Tragically". LAist.
- ↑ Shyong, Frank (June 13, 2024). "A Korean American family called for help. An LAPD officer arrived, shot mentally ill son". Los Angeles Times.
- ↑ Jany, Libor (April 10, 2025). "LAPD tactics faulted in shooting of mentally ill K-town man — but killing ruled justified". Los Angeles Times.
- ↑ "Family of Yong Yang Demands Answers on One-Year Anniversary of LAPD Fatal Shooting". Panish Shea & Ravipudi LLP. May 2, 2025.
External links
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