Vanessa Marquez death: ER actor's family express outrage over police releasing body cam footage without notifying them

Her family has filed a wrongful death suit against the city of Pasadena, California

(NBCUniversal via Getty Images)

ER actor Vanessa Marquez's family has expressed outrage after police released body cam footage showing the woman's death without first notifying them.

The Los Angeles County District Attorney's office released the video of South Pasadena police responding to a wellness check for Ms Marquez in August 2018 before she was fatally shot.

In a statement released to The Independent, the family's lawyer said: "Vanessa's family was not informed that video would be published. Vanessa's mother feels it was irresponsible for video to be published without any pre-advisement to her. She is a grieving mother, and the City has never once contacted her to meet with her to explain the circumstances of her daughter's death."

"She feels further violated by the way she has been treated and disregarded," the lawyer added.

The video in question starts with officers entering Ms Marquez's home for a wellness check and the 49-year-old woman telling them she's having a seizure.

Police say a mental health clinician and paramedics both spoke with the actor shortly after that.

The woman was then told she would be taken to a local hospital to be evaluated, which is when she picked up a handgun. Upon seeing the weapon, officers retreated downstairs.

Officers opened fire on Ms Marquez after footage shows the woman refuse to drop her weapon. She was then killed during the confrontation.

Video footage from the incident was later magnified by investigators to show the weapon in the actor's hand. It was determined the gun was a replica.

Ms Marquez's family has since filled a wrongful death suit against the city of South Pasadena.

On Monday, it was announced in a report by the Los Angeles County District Attorney's office that the two officers acted in self defence when responding the the wellness check on Ms Marquez. The report about the decision was released along with the body cam footage of the incident.

The Independent contacted South Pasadena police for a comment.