The Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department has released a video from an incident that resulted in the fatal shooting of a kidnapping suspect in West Modesto.
The video includes body camera footage from the scene along with an introduction by Sheriff Jeff Dirkse that provides context for the incident.
On July 17, 2019 deputies responded to a report that a man had kidnapped a woman and was holding her at gunpoint. The suspect was later identified as 52-year-old Stephen Murray. Upon contact Murray placed the woman in between himself and officers and appeared to be holding a hand gun. Deputies then fired their service weapons. Murray died on site.
Upon further investigation Murray's weapon was discovered to be a replica handgun.
The hostage was traumatized but not injured, according to deputies.
Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department warns the video is graphic and may not be appropriate for all viewers.
(Thumbnail Photo: Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department / Facebook Video)