Autistic Teen Dies After Police Shooting in Idaho: Family Demands Justice
A 17-year-old autistic teen, Victor Perez, has died after being removed from life support, more than a week after he was shot multiple times by police officers in Pocatello, Idaho. The incident has sparked outrage from disability rights advocates and the broader community, raising serious questions about police training and the handling of mental health and disability-related crises.
Who Was Victor Perez?
Victor Perez was a nonverbal autistic teen who also lived with cerebral palsy. Known by his family and friends as gentle, kind, and loving, Victor had a deep affection for wrestling and a fondness for french fries. Though he had limited mobility and did not speak, those close to him say he had a vibrant personality and a caring heart.
“He wasn’t capable of hurting anyone,” said his mother, Maria Perez. “He walked with a limp, he didn’t talk, and he was scared easily. He just needed help, not bullets.”
What Happened?
On April 5, police were called to a residential neighborhood in Pocatello after a 911 call reported a person with a knife acting erratically. The caller described Victor, who had left his home holding a kitchen knife. According to his family, Victor was not threatening anyone and was likely disoriented.
Body camera footage reportedly shows that within just 12 seconds of arriving on scene, officers opened fire on Victor. Witnesses say police gave little time for de-escalation or assessment before shooting. Victor, due to his physical disabilities, appeared to stagger as he moved, which some now believe was misinterpreted by officers as aggression.
Victor was struck multiple times and underwent emergency surgeries, including the amputation of one of his legs. Despite efforts to save him, he was declared brain-dead and removed from life support on April 13.
Community Outrage and Ongoing Investigation
The shooting has drawn national attention and sparked protests in Idaho and beyond. Advocates say Victor’s death is part of a troubling pattern of police encounters involving disabled individuals ending in violence.
“This was a preventable tragedy,” said Karla James, a spokesperson for the Idaho Disability Justice League. “Victor was failed by the very systems that were supposed to protect him.”
The officers involved have been placed on administrative leave, and the Eastern Idaho Critical Incident Task Force is conducting an investigation. Pocatello Mayor Brian Blad expressed condolences and pledged a thorough and independent review of the incident.
“We mourn the loss of Victor Perez, and we are committed to ensuring a full accounting of what happened,” Blad said in a statement.
A Broader Pattern
Victor’s death echoes previous cases, including the 2020 shooting of 13-year-old Linden Cameron in Salt Lake City, and the fatal shooting of 15-year-old Ryan Gainer in California in 2024. Both boys were on the autism spectrum and experiencing mental health crises when police intervened with deadly force.
Civil rights groups are calling for nationwide reform, including enhanced crisis intervention training, the use of mental health response teams, and the development of alternative emergency response models for nonviolent situations.
Remembering Victor
As the investigation continues, Victor’s family is focused on honoring his life and advocating for change. A memorial vigil is planned in Pocatello this week, where community members will gather to remember the teen and call for justice.
“He was our light,” said his sister, Elena. “He deserved understanding and support — not bullets. We won’t let his story be forgotten.”
