Former ‘ER’ Star Vanessa Marquez Shot & Killed By Police

Vanessa Marquez was fatally shot on Thursday afternoon by police officers, who were summoned to her Fremont Avenue apartment at her landlord’s request. She was 49 years old.

ER STAR VANESSA MARQUEZ SHOT & KILLED BY POLICE

Marquez’s landlord was reportedly concerned about her welfare and called over the authorities. According to Lt. Joe Mendoza, she was having a seizure when they arrived, and police and a mental health clinician spent over 90 minutes urging her to take medical treatment.

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The police described the ER actress as “uncooperative,” and noted that she may potentially have been afflicted by mental health issues. As this conversation was happening, Marquez at one point grabbed what was at the time believed to be a semiautomatic handgun and pointed it at the police officers.

Subsequently, two officers shot Marquez, with at least one bullet hitting her torso. She was then taken to a hospital where she was later pronounced dead. Afterwards, officers recovered the object she held, determining it to be a BB gun that closely resembled a realistic firearm.

Toni McGhee, one of Marquez’s close friends, believes her health issues developed as a consequence of her career falling apart. McGhee also noted in her statement that Marquez and her landlord had a contentious relationship recently, with the ER alumni worrying she might be evicted. Marquez’s landlord has reportedly declined to comment on the situation.

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Justin Ko, Marquez’s neighbor in the building, originally lived in Koreatown, leaving after the police presence in his neighborhood increased due to a brutal event that transpired a year ago. Speaking of Marquez’s death, Ko said, “It shocked us. This is a safe area.”