Judge Dismisses Manslaughter Charges Against Torrance Officers

Prosecutors cited insufficient admissible evidence in the 2018 killing of Christopher DeAndre Mitchell.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 12:08am

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An extreme close-up photograph of shattered car window glass reflecting a faint red light, conceptually representing the violence and aftermath of a police shooting.The dismissal of charges against Torrance officers in the 2018 killing of Christopher DeAndre Mitchell exposes the ongoing challenges in holding law enforcement accountable.Los Angeles Today

A judge has dismissed voluntary manslaughter charges against two former Torrance police officers in the 2018 killing of 23-year-old Christopher DeAndre Mitchell. The ruling effectively ends the criminal prosecution that has fueled protests, lawsuits, and public debate for years.

Why it matters

The dismissal of charges against the officers has reignited debates around police accountability, use of force policies, and community trust in law enforcement, particularly in the wake of revelations about racist and violent text messages exchanged by dozens of Torrance officers.

The details

Superior Court Judge Sam Ohta signed the order ending the case against officers Matthew Concannon and Anthony Chavez, who were indicted in 2023 for the on-duty shooting. Mitchell was shot in December 2018 while sitting in his car after officers said they saw what appeared to be a rifle between his legs, a weapon later determined to be an altered air rifle. The shooting and the officers' conduct ultimately led to a $7.8 million wrongful-death settlement for Mitchell's family.

  • In December 2018, Christopher DeAndre Mitchell was shot and killed by Torrance police officers.
  • In 2023, officers Matthew Concannon and Anthony Chavez were indicted on voluntary manslaughter charges.
  • On April 17, 2026, a judge dismissed the charges against the officers.

The players

Christopher DeAndre Mitchell

A 23-year-old man who was killed by Torrance police officers in 2018.

Matthew Concannon

A former Torrance police officer who was indicted on voluntary manslaughter charges in 2023 for the 2018 killing of Christopher DeAndre Mitchell.

Anthony Chavez

A former Torrance police officer who was indicted on voluntary manslaughter charges in 2023 for the 2018 killing of Christopher DeAndre Mitchell.

Sherilyn Haines

The mother of Christopher DeAndre Mitchell, who addressed the court and pleaded for accountability.

Nathan Hochman

The Los Angeles County District Attorney who moved to dismiss the criminal case against the officers.

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What they’re saying

“I was pleading for accountability, warning that shielding officers when they do wrong erodes community trust.”

— Sherilyn Haines, Mother of Christopher DeAndre Mitchell

“I'm profoundly pleased that this nightmare is finally over for my client.”

— Tom Yu, Attorney for Officer Matthew Concannon

What’s next

With the criminal case now closed, advocates and city officials alike say questions about accountability and police reform are not going away.

The takeaway

The dismissal of charges against the officers has reignited debates around police accountability, use of force policies, and community trust in law enforcement, particularly in the wake of revelations about racist and violent text messages exchanged by dozens of Torrance officers.