Former 'ER' Actress Vanessa Marquez Shot And Killed By Police

Vanessa Marquez, who was known for her role as Wendy Goldman on the hit television series “ER”, was shot and killed by police at her home in South Pasadena, California. Police officers and a mental health specialist went to her home to check on her well-being after her landlord became concerned. 

When police arrived, Marquez was reportedly suffering a seizure and showed signs of an eating disorder. The responding officers stayed with her for over 90 minutes and attempted to convince her to seek medical treatment. The 49-year-old refused to get help and eventually became combative with officers. She pulled a "bb-type" gun on them, which they believed was a real semi-automatic handgun, and the officers opened fire, striking her in the torso. She was rushed to the hospital where she was pronounced dead. 

Residents of South Pasadena were shocked by the massive police presence in the usually quiet neighborhood. 

"It's shocking, it's really awful. I'm just really saddened by the whole thing. It sounds like a horrible, horrible misunderstanding," her neighbor, Mark Swaine, told KABC.