A federal jury in San Diego has found former San Diego County Sheriff’s Deputy Aaron Richard Russell guilty of civil rights violations in the fatal shooting of an unarmed man, N.B., who was fleeing authorities. The verdict follows a two-week trial and less than seven hours of jury deliberation.
Russell was convicted on two counts: Deprivation of Rights Under Color of Law and Use and Discharge of a Firearm During and In Relation to a Crime of Violence. He is scheduled for sentencing on May 29, 2026, before U.S. District Judge Todd W. Robinson, with a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years and up to life in prison. Russell remains free on bond pending sentencing.
“This is an important verdict because it demonstrates our commitment to impartially and unceasingly seeking justice,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon.
“Civil rights have long been a priority for the FBI,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge TJ Holland of the FBI San Diego Field Office. “In conjunction with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the FBI will vigorously investigate any potential violations.”
Evidence presented at trial detailed that on May 1, 2020, while serving as a deputy, Russell fired five shots at N.B., who was attempting to escape custody near the San Diego Central Jail downtown. The victim had managed to free one hand from his handcuffs and exited a law enforcement vehicle through a partially lowered window—a measure implemented due to COVID-19 ventilation protocols—before running away.
According to trial testimony, multiple officers stated that N.B. did not pose a threat and that using deadly force was not considered necessary by anyone else present. Eyewitnesses described being “shocked” by Russell’s actions.
Four bullets struck N.B., including one shot that entered his back and caused fatal injuries to his heart and lung. Despite efforts by officers and paramedics at the scene, he died shortly after being transported to the hospital.
The incident was recorded on surveillance cameras along Front Street as well as body-worn cameras from responding officers. One bullet fired by Russell also struck another vehicle nearby but caused no additional injuries.
Russell was indicted by a federal grand jury in May 2024; his first trial ended without a unanimous verdict in May 2025.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Seth Askins and Michael Songer, along with Department of Justice Civil Rights Trial Attorney Lia Wright Tesconi, prosecuted the case. The investigation was led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
