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Autopsy shows Tennessee National Guard member shot armed man in back, contradicting initial police account
A medical examiner report indicates 20-year-old Tyrin Johnson was killed by a single shot to his back, challenging statements that he pointed a weapon at troops.
The short version
- An autopsy report reveals that 20-year-old Tyrin Johnson was fatally shot once in the back during a July incident involving Tennessee National Guard members in Memphis.
- The findings contradict accounts from police and law enforcement reports claiming Johnson was facing and turning toward troops while pointing a firearm.
- The Guard members involved were deployed as part of the federal Memphis Safe Task Force focused on anti-crime efforts.
- No criminal charges have been filed, and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation stated that its investigation remains open and ongoing.
Key facts
- An autopsy report prepared by the West Tennessee Regional Forensic Center Office of the Medical Examiner shows Tyrin Johnson died from a bullet entering the right side of his back and exiting his upper right chest.[Associated Press]
- Initial statements from law enforcement and an internal National Guard report stated that Johnson turned and pointed a handgun toward Guard members before they fired.[Associated Press]
- The fatal shooting occurred in Memphis following the Fourth of July holiday after officers responded to a call regarding shots fired near Beale Street.[Associated Press]
- The National Guard members were assigned to the federal Memphis Safe Task Force established by President Donald Trump.[Associated Press]
- Independent forensic pathologist Dr. Steven White reviewed the autopsy report for the AP and noted the bullet's upward trajectory is consistent with someone running away from the shooter.[Associated Press]
- The medical examiner classified Johnson's manner of death as a homicide, a technical designation that does not assign legal guilt or determine criminal intent.[Associated Press]
What remains uncertain
- Whether surveillance video exists that confirms or refutes if Johnson pointed a weapon at Guard members before being shot; his family states they have not been shown any video.[Associated Press]
- Whether state or federal prosecutors will pursue criminal charges against the National Guard members involved once the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation completes its review.[Associated Press]