Ramiro James Villegas’ body was allegedly tampered with by a California cop. (Picture: Facebook)

The family of a man who was shot dead by police are demanding answers after an officer allegedly ‘tickled’ his corpse.

Aaron Stringer, who serves with Bakersfield Police in California allegedly pulled Ramiro James Villegas’ toes, tickled the bottom of his feet and told a trainee officers he ‘loved’ playing with dead bodies.

Stringer is now on paid leave while the authorities investigate the matter.

Lawyer Mark Geragos, who is representing Villagas’ family, told The Daily News: ‘We are grossly disturbed by the ghoulish behaviour of the police.


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‘The family wants answers and accountability.’

The disturbing allegations came to light on Friday after journalists at the Bakersfield Californian newspaper got hold of internal police reports about Officer Stringer’s actions at the Kern Medical Center.

The alleged incident took place as Villegas’ body lay on a gurney covered with a blood-soaked white sheet.

Unarmed Villegas was shot and killed as he led cops on high-speed chase which ended with him smashing in to traffic lights on November 13.

Police later said Villegas moved aggressively toward officers and reached in to his waistband when three officers opened fire and a fourth used a Taser.

No gun was recovered from Villegas.

Stringer, 35, was working with trainee Lindy DeGeare on the day of the incident.

He helped interview witnesses and assist with securing the scene.

Bakersfield Police Officer Aaron Stringer allegedly tampered with the corpse in November.

Afterward, Stringer asked DeGeare if she wanted to view the body, and she agreed believing it was for training purposes, The Californian reported.

At the Kern County Medical Center, a nurse gave the cops a pass code for a door that led to Villegas’ body.

Stringer donned gloves, pulled back the sheet and surveyed the wounds before touching the bottom of Villegas’ feet saying ‘tickle tickle,’ DeGeare allegedly told investigators.

Stringer then allegedly pulled on the toes of the right foot and used both hands to twice turn Villegas’ head to a forward position before letting it go and watching it flop back to its original position.

Stringer allegedly laughed as he told DeGeare he ‘loves playing with dead bodies’.

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The trainee said she later discussed her discomfort with the incident with her retired cop mom and decided to report it.

The officer who was guarding Villegas’ body told investigators he also witnessed Stringer touch Villegas’ chin and jaw area and saw him try to open Villegas’ mouth, according to The Californian.

The Kern County coroner’s office did not authorise Stringer to touch the body, and Bakersfield Police Chief Greg Williamson said Stringer’s statements were ‘disturbing’.



He said Stringer has been on paid leave pending an internal enquiry.

Prosecutors reviewed the case but opted not to file charges, the newspaper said.

Geragos’ law firm previously filed a claim against the police regarding the shooting.