Victor Perez Has Died After Being Shot 9 Times by Pocatello Police — A Systemic Failure
Seventeen-year-old Victor Perez, a nonverbal autistic teen with cerebral palsy, has tragically died.
On April 12, 2025, Victor was removed from life support—one week after Pocatello, Idaho police officers shot him nine times during a call to his family’s home. He had remained in a coma since the shooting.
Victor’s death is not only heartbreaking. It exposes how our system responds to disability and mental health crises with force instead of compassion, patience, or trained support.
What Happened?
On April 5, police received a call about a “man with a knife.” That “man” was Victor—a teenager with limited mobility, severe developmental disabilities, and no ability to speak.
Within seconds of arriving, officers opened fire.
There was no meaningful attempt at de-escalation.
No pause to bring in trained crisis responders.
Just an immediate jump to deadly force.
Victor was hit nine times. He underwent emergency surgeries, including a leg amputation, but the damage was too severe. A week later, his family made the devastating decision to remove him from life support.
Who Was Victor Perez?
Victor was a teen with cerebral palsy who loved wrestling and french fries.
He had a kind heart and struggled with balance—because of his disability, not intoxication.
He was nonverbal and could not speak for himself.
When officers arrived, they didn’t see a child in crisis.
They saw a threat—
and acted as if they were facing one.
What’s Being Done Now?
The officers involved have been placed on administrative leave.
The Eastern Idaho Critical Incident Task Force is reviewing the shooting.
But this cycle is familiar:
- A tragic death
- An internal review
- A press statement
- No real accountability
This is why communities demand alternatives to traditional policing during mental health emergencies.
There Is a Better Way
Programs like CAHOOTS in Eugene, Oregon, and the Behavioral Crisis Response Team in Minneapolis have proven that specialized, unarmed responders can safely handle mental health and disability-related calls.
These teams show up with care, not weapons—
and their approach saves lives.
Victor deserved that kind of response, not bullets.
Why We Always Film the Police
At MrCheckpoint, our mission is accountability, transparency, and justice.
Victor’s story is a reminder of why filming police interactions is essential.
📱 Always film the police.
✊ Always stand with the people.
To Victor’s Family
To everyone grieving the loss of Victor Perez, we extend our deepest love and support. No family should endure this pain. We stand with you in mourning and in demanding justice, accountability, and change.
How You Can Help
- Demand mental health crisis response teams in your city.
- Share Victor’s story using keywords like:
- Victor Perez police shooting
- Idaho autistic teen shot
- Police kill disabled teen
- Nonverbal autistic teen shot
- Justice for Victor Perez
- Record the police—your footage might save a life.
- Speak up so Victor’s name is never forgotten.
Victor was only 17.
He never received the help he needed.
He received bullets instead.
This cannot continue.
Always film the police. Always for the people.
