In LAPD shootings police, community tell two different stories

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LAPD Chief Charlie Beck defended his officers’ use of deadly force on Monday against two men in separate confrontations over the weekend.

“While holding a handgun in his left hand – he turned in the direction of the pursuing officers at which point an officer involved shooting occurred,” Beck said, regarding the officer-involved shooting of 18-year-old Carnell Snell Jr.

The shooting, which occurred in South L.A., sparked community protests in the neighborhood and at L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti’s official residence.

KCRW went to site of the shooting and talked to people with close connections to the victim about the incident and its larger meaning for the city.

Listen below:

Beck says there is footage of both shootings.

The LAPD has not released the name of a second man killed on Sunday.

For more on the story, and community reaction, click here.