A woman fatally shot by police conducting a welfare check call in South Pasadena was identified Friday as movie and television actress Vanessa Marquez.
Marquez, best known for her roles in “Stand and Deliver” and “ER,” was shot Thursday after police say she pointed what appeared to be a handgun at officers who were responding to the residence in the 1100 block of Fremont Avenue.
The weapon turned out to be a BB gun, which was described as a replica semi-automatic handgun.
Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department Deputy Viera confirmed Friday that Vanessa Marquez, 49, was the woman shot by authorities.
The incident began about noon and took place over nearly two hours as South Pasadena police officers attempted to assist Marquez with a possible medical condition, the Sheriff’s Department stated in a news release Thursday.
While speaking with her, officers noticed she was possibly suffering from mental health issues and had become uncooperative.
At about 1:48 p.m., investigators say Marquez armed herself and pointed the weapon at police and an officer involved shooting occurred.
Marquez was taken to a local hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
No officers were injured in the incident.
The BB gun was recovered at the scene.
Pasadena’s city manager, Stephanie DeWolfe, issued a statement Friday afternoon, calling it a “very unfortunate and sad” incident.
“Our officers, along with a mental health professional, made every attempt to resolve the situation peacefully before the use of deadly force became necessary,” DeWolfe said. “We are a small, close-knit community and these types of incidents are very rare. Our thoughts are with her family, friends, colleagues and fans during this difficult time.”
Marquez’s role in the 1988 drama “Stand and Deliver” was her first big break in acting. She also appeared in “Blood In, Blood Out” and had a recurring role in the hit television show “ER,” according to her IMDB page.
Actor Lou Diamond Phillips, who was also on the cast of “Stand and Deliver,” said he was “not aware of the pain she endured” and that “Her light and her soul still shine in the performances she gave us.”
Heart sick to learn of the tragic passing of my friend, Vanessa Marquez. I was not aware of the pain she endured due to her conditions and saddened to think that they may have contributed to her untimely demise. Her light and her soul still shine in the performances she gave us. https://t.co/eq43Uex4Xx
— Lou Diamond Phillips (@LouDPhillips) September 1, 2018
Last year, Marquez accused her “ER” co-star George Clooney of helping to blacklist her from the TV show, the Los Angeles Times reported. Clooney denied the allegations, the newspaper reported.
KTLA’s Judy Oehling contributed to this report.