South Pasadena city officials have cautioned the public against making preliminary judgments about the fatal shooting of "ER" actress Vanessa Marquez at her home.
In a statement, city officials said two separate, independent investigations are being conducted by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and District Attorney's Office into the officer-involved shooting, reports variety.com.
"We believe our officers acted appropriately under a tragic set of circumstances," South Pasadena City Manager Stephanie DeWolfe said in a press release.
"We are asking the public to respect the investigative process and allow the Sheriff's Department and D.A.'s office to gather and release the facts," DeWolfe further said.
The incident occurred on Thursday at Marquez's home in Pasadena, California, after a landlord called the police to check on her well-being. When officers arrived at her apartment, they said she was suffering seizures and appeared unable to take care of herself, so they called for paramedics and a mental health clinician.
After an hour and a half, Marquez armed herself with a BB gun and pointed it at the officers, causing them to open fire, according to Sheriff's Lt. Joe Mendoza.
"We look forward to hearing the results of the investigation. In the meantime, we are asking the public to be patient and wait until the facts of the case are confirmed before making judgements about the incident," DeWolfe said.
In addition to her work opposite George Clooney on "ER," Marquez appeared with Edward James Olmos in 1988's "Stand and Deliver," along with the series "Malcom & Eddie" and "Wiseguy."
Last October, she alleged that she was blacklisted from "ER" by Clooney after she complained of racial discrimination and sexual harassment.
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