Andy Lopez : FBI launches investigation into teen’s shooting death by police

13-year-old Andy Lopez was shot and killed by police in California because he was holding a toy gun. The teenager’s death has sparked outrage with protests and vigils across Sonoma County, Calif., as details emerge about the shooting.

According to eyewitness accounts, Lopez, who was carrying a toy assault rifle, was only verbally warned once before deputy Erick Gelhaus, 48, opened fire. NBC Bay Area reports Gelhaus has substantial weapons training.

The Sonoma County sheriff’s deputy who fired the shots that killed a 13-year-old  boy carrying a replica assault rifle last week is a firearms expert, Iraq War veteran, and a regular contributor to magazines and blogs, where in one article, he wrote about needing to have a “mean gene” to stay alive in the “kill zone.”

Police reports also show that only 10 seconds elapsed between the deputy’s initial call regarding a suspect and when they opened fire. The FBI has launched an independent investigation into the Lopez case. The local police chief says they will cooperate with fully.

Today thousands protested in Santa Rosa after the teen’s funeral for Justice For Andy.

Stay tuned to Unheard Voices for more on Andy Lopez