LASD releases audio of fatal shooting during a standoff

On October 3, 2021, at approximately 3:31 PM, Santa Clarita Station received a telephone call regarding a family disturbance at a residence in the 24900 block of Chicory Court in Stevenson Ranch. The caller reported the male had a history of drug use, was being a nuisance and he needed to be admitted to a narcotics rehabilitation center.

Prior to the deputies’ arrival, the caller provided additional information, indicating the male was suicidal and possibly armed with a weapon. The male was later identified as Christopher Lee Mosco, a 32-year-old resident of Stevenson Ranch. Deputies arrived on scene and contained the residence. The deputies received additional information that Mosco was armed with a firearm and was going to shoot at deputies because he wanted to commit “suicide by cop.”

Mosco was located at an upstairs bedroom window of the residence, visible from the street, armed with a long gun. The deputies began utilizing their vehicle’s public announcement system to order Mosco to drop the weapon and surrender to deputies who were there to help him.

After approximately 10 minutes, Mosco leaned out of the window, pointed the long gun at the deputies and a deputy-involved shooting occurred. Mosco retreated into the bedroom out of sight, and within seconds he reappeared at the window pointing the long gun at the deputies, and a second deputy-involved shooting occurred.

After the shooting, the deputies believed Mosco was inside the residence injured as a result of being struck by gunfire. A rescue team was formed and deputies made entry into the location to locate Mosco. Deputies located Mosco on the floor in an upstairs bedroom, unresponsive and suffering from a gunshot wound to the upper body. Deputies immediately rendered medical aid until the arrival of Los Angeles County Fire Department paramedics who continued lifesaving efforts but Mosco was pronounced dead.

There were no other persons injured in the incident.

A loaded 12-gauge shotgun was recovered at the scene.