But, his wife and others said, his mental health had been worsening, which had strained the couple's relationship. In recent years, the LAPD and other law enforcement agencies nationwide have faced increasing criticism for how often officers shot people in the throes of a mental health crisis. Moore has expressed support for partnering officers with mental health workers but has maintained that incidents involving armed suspects require some sort of police response. Understaffing at the county has resulted in gaps of coverage by the mental health co-responder teams, Moore has previously said. Raischard Smith, Smith's brother, wore a gray hoodie and held a photo of Smith.

Source: Los Angeles Times November 27, 2023 17:08 UTC