police gunAnaheim – 36-year-old Rudy Anthony Martinez II was fatally shot by Anaheim police outside John Marshall Elementary School on September 15, 2025. 

Incident Details

At around 12:45 p.m., an officer was dispatched to the intersection of Holly Street and Falmouth Avenue over reports that a man was allegedly acting suspiciously and carrying a brick and a shovel. Upon arriving at the scene, the officer encountered Martinez and for reasons unclear, fired his handgun, striking him. The officer provided first aid at the scene, and Martinez was taken to the hospital where he died roughly 30 minutes later.

A shovel was recovered at the scene, but no weapon beyond that was reported. The shooting triggered a temporary school lockdown at John Marshall Elementary School while classes were in session. 

An investigation into this incident is underway.

Legal & Use-of-Force Considerations

  • Under California Penal Code § 835a, law enforcement officers are authorized to use deadly force only when they reasonably believe it’s necessary to prevent imminent death or serious injury. Investigators will assess whether the officer’s perception of the threat met that legal threshold. 
  • Key questions include: Did the man pose an immediate threat? Were there opportunities for de-escalation? Was the officer’s behavior consistent with department policy and training? 

Seeking Accountability for Officer Involved Shootings


If you or a loved one has been impacted by police misconduct or an in-custody incident such as this one involving Rudy Anthony Martinez II, contact The Sehat Law Firm at (949) 825-5200 for a free consultation, or complete the form at the bottom of this page to discuss your case with our legal team.

Legal Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and should not be considered legal or medical advice, nor does it create an attorney-client relationship. Laws vary, and any referenced here may not apply to your situation. This article was created from secondary sources and may not be completely accurate. If you have any concerns, please contact us, and we’ll update or remove the post as needed.