Eddie Gonzalez to be sentenced for shooting death in Long Beach

In the United States, a former safety officer from the Long Beach Unified School District is facing sentencing for the shooting death of an 18-year-old woman, Manuela "Mona" Rodriguez, in September 2021. The incident occurred near Millikan High School, where Rodriguez was shot while sitting in a car driven by her boyfriend. Following a confrontation with a 15-year-old girl, Gonzalez intervened, believing the vehicle posed a threat to him as it began to drive away. He fired two shots, one of which struck Rodriguez in the head, leading to her death days later after being taken off life support. Eddie Gonzalez was initially charged with murder, but after a jury could not reach a verdict, he accepted a plea deal for voluntary manslaughter. Under this agreement, he faces a prison sentence of either three or six years. The case has drawn significant attention, highlighting issues of excessive force and the responsibilities of school safety officers. During the trial, prosecutors argued that Gonzalez acted recklessly and escalated the situation unnecessarily, while the defense claimed he acted in self-defense, fearing for his life. The tragic outcome has raised questions about the appropriateness of his actions and the broader implications for school safety personnel. As the sentencing date approaches, the community reflects on the loss of Rodriguez, who was a mother to an infant son, and the impact of this incident on the lives of those involved, including Gonzalez, who was fired shortly after the shooting.