Federal Jury Convicts Former San Diego Sheriff’s Deputy in Fatal Shooting of Unarmed Man During Jail Transport Escape

A federal jury has found a former San Diego County Sheriff’s deputy guilty of violating a man’s civil rights in a fatal shooting that occurred during an attempted escape near the San Diego Central Jail, concluding a closely watched federal civil rights prosecution involving the use of lethal force against an unarmed individual.

The jury convicted Aaron Richard Russell, 29, a former deputy with the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, following a two-week trial in federal court. Jurors deliberated for less than seven hours before returning guilty verdicts on both counts brought by federal prosecutors.

Russell was convicted of:

• Deprivation of Rights Under Color of Law Using a Dangerous Weapon Resulting in Death
• Use and Discharge of a Firearm During and In Relation to a Crime of Violence

The convictions stem from a May 1, 2020 shooting in downtown San Diego in which a 36-year-old man identified in court records as N.B. was shot multiple times while fleeing from law enforcement custody.

Fatal Shooting During Custody Escape

Evidence presented at trial showed that Russell fired five rounds from his service weapon, striking the fleeing man four times as he ran northbound along Front Street near the San Diego Central Jail.

One of the bullets entered the victim’s back, piercing his heart and lung, injuries that medical testimony indicated were fatal.

After being struck, the victim staggered to the corner of Front and B Streets, collapsing partly on the sidewalk and partly in a nearby planter. Emergency responders attempted life-saving measures before transporting him to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The jury concluded that the use of lethal force violated the victim’s constitutional rights.

Initial Encounter at Closed Park During Pandemic Restrictions

The sequence of events began earlier that afternoon at Old Town State Historic Park, which was closed at the time due to pandemic-related restrictions.

A California State Parks officer encountered the victim after observing him hitting golf balls toward his dog inside the closed park area.

When approached, the man ran from the officer, triggering a brief foot pursuit.

He was eventually taken into custody, searched, and placed in the rear seat of a patrol vehicle for transport to the San Diego Central Jail located downtown.

Transport Protocols During Pandemic Conditions

Because of pandemic-era safety procedures, the officers transporting the detainee traveled in separate vehicles.

In addition, the rear passenger window of the transport vehicle had been partially lowered to improve airflow, a temporary policy adopted during the period.

During the drive to the jail, the transport proceeded without incident until the vehicle reached the intersection outside the jail’s secured intake area, known as the sallyport.

Escape from Transport Vehicle

Evidence presented during trial showed that the detainee managed to slip one hand free from his handcuffs while seated in the back seat.

Using the partially open window, he maneuvered his arm outside the vehicle and opened the rear passenger door from the exterior handle.

After exiting the vehicle, he briefly attempted to block the pursuing officer from exiting his truck before turning and running northbound along Front Street.

A California State Parks officer immediately pursued him on foot and was only a few feet behind during the chase.

Gunfire Fired During Foot Pursuit

At the same time the pursuit moved toward the intersection, Russell and another deputy were positioned nearby.

Prosecutors presented evidence showing that Russell stepped into the street, drew his firearm, and fired five rapid shots at close range toward the fleeing man.

Multiple law enforcement witnesses testified during trial that the individual appeared unarmed and not posing an immediate threat at the time the shots were fired.

Several officers testified they did not consider using their firearms, describing the situation as one that did not justify lethal force.

Civilian witnesses also testified, including a nurse and a firefighter who were present in the area. Both stated that they were surprised by the gunfire and observed the victim being shot in the back.

Surveillance and Body Camera Evidence

The incident was captured through multiple sources of video evidence.

Surveillance cameras positioned along Front Street recorded the shooting, and responding officers’ body-worn camera footage documented the aftermath of the incident.

One of the rounds fired by Russell struck the driver’s-side fog lamp of a civilian vehicle traveling southbound along Front Street at the time of the shooting.

Investigators later reconstructed the trajectory of the rounds during the forensic investigation presented in court.

Prior Trial and Federal Civil Rights Charges

The case was first brought before a federal grand jury in May 2024, which returned the indictment charging Russell with civil rights violations.

A previous trial held in May 2025 ended without a verdict after jurors were unable to reach a unanimous decision.

The retrial concluded this week with the guilty verdicts returned by the jury.

Federal civil rights prosecutions involving law enforcement officers are conducted under statutes designed to protect constitutional rights when individuals acting under government authority unlawfully deprive someone of those rights.

Potential Sentencing

Russell is scheduled to be sentenced on May 29, 2026, before U.S. District Judge Todd W. Robinson.

He remains free on bond pending sentencing.

Under federal law:

• The civil rights conviction carries a potential penalty of up to life in prison and significant fines.
• The firearm conviction carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison.

The final sentence will be determined by the court after consideration of federal sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.

Federal Investigation

The case was investigated by federal authorities specializing in civil rights enforcement.

Federal civil rights investigations examine allegations that government officials acting under the authority of law violated constitutional protections through unlawful use of force or other abuses of power.

The prosecution was handled by federal attorneys assigned to civil rights enforcement cases in federal court.

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