Man With Dementia Shot by Officer Carried Crucifix, Not Gun: Police

Officer Regan Selman, who fired at Francisco Serna, is on administrative leave pending an investigation

Francisco Serna, the 73-year-old man with dementia who was killed by California police this week, was carrying a crucifix, not a gun, police said Wednesday, NBC News reported. 

Bakersfield Police Chief Lyle Martin said Serna, who a neighbor described as roaming the neighborhood with a revolver, failed to comply with officers' orders to stop and show his hands. Officer Regan Selman fired seven shots. Serna then died at the scene. Selman is on administrative leave pending an investigation, along with six other responding officers.

A group gathered outside the family home late Tuesday, with one person holding a sign that read "Justice for Francisco Serna." A candlelight vigil was held in his honor.

Police confirmed to NBC affiliate KGET on Wednesday that a crucifix was later found on Serna's body — not a gun. The finding was first reported Wednesday by the Los Angeles Times.

Contact Us