Costco Shooting: Man Shot And Killed Suffered From Mental Disabilities, Required Constant Monitoring

A 32-year-old man who was shot and killed at a Costco in Corona, California, was a “gentle giant,” according to his family.

The shooting happened Friday night while an off-duty Los Angeles police officer was shopping with his child. The officer was holding his child when he was allegedly assaulted by the man, identified as Kenneth French, prompting the officer to shoot and kill French. He then shot and wounded French’s parents, who were present at the scene.

However, the man’s family insists that this was nothing more than a tragic misunderstanding.

French’s cousin, Rick Shureih, told the Press-Enterprise in Riverside County that French suffered from an intellectual disability and had to be monitored by his parents at all times. However, he insisted that French was a nonverbal “gentle giant” who had no ill intention with his actions.

Shureih also took to Facebook, posting a picture of French with his parents and saying that he is “not keeping quiet about this!” He also expressed outrage that early coverage of the shooting portrayed the family as suspects and the officer as the victim.

Marlon Calimlim, a neighbor of the family for nearly five years, also told the Press-Enterprise that he never recalled French being aggressive with anyone.

“They are a very nice couple…I can’t believe that a policeman would fire seven to eight shots,” Calimlim told reporters.

Corona Police also revealed that the LAPD’s Southwest Division is currently conducting an administrative investigation of the shooting. Corona Police are also working with the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office to investigate the shooting.