Killing of Victor Perez

Shooting

At 5:10 pm on April 5, 2025, a security camera showed Perez's grandfather, mother, and younger sister struggling with him over a 9-inch kitchen knife. Perez attempted to strike his grandfather with the knife, and his grandfather struck him with his hands and a log. The four dispatched officers were not told of Perez's disability. Upon arrival, they gave verbal commands; Perez did not comply, raised the knife, and moved toward them.

The officers shot him 12 times, sixteen seconds after arriving. Perez was behind a fence and stood up, not understanding why several men appeared. His leg was amputated, and he was in critical condition; he died on April 12.

Investigation

The Eastern Idaho Critical Incident Task Force investigated the shooting, and evidence was turned over to an area prosecutor. On September 3, 2025, the Idaho Attorney General's Office declined to file charges. Deputy Attorney General Jeff Nye called the shooting a tragedy but stated the state could not prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the officers were not justified in using deadly force.

Did You Know?

• Perez's family described him as having the brain of a 5-year-old and that he could hardly walk.
• The 911 call on April 5 was the third time since December 2024 that police were dispatched to Perez's address.
• Over 300 people attended a candlelight prayer vigil outside Portneuf Medical Center on April 12, 2025, then protested at City Hall.