An autopsy revealed that a 20-year-old man, shot by Tennessee National Guard members during a pursuit over the Fourth of July weekend in Memphis, was hit in the back. This revelation challenges the initial narrative that he had turned and pointed a gun at soldiers before they fired.
Tyrin Johnson was killed on July 5, following responses from Memphis police and Tennessee National Guard members of the Memphis Safe Task Force. Authorities initially claimed Johnson fled on foot, turned toward Guard members with a firearm, prompting them to shoot.
Concerns Over Shooting Details
An autopsy received by Johnson’s family highlighted that a bullet entered the right side of his back, exiting through his upper right chest. The shot trajectory was from back to front and slightly upward. The report lacked evidence of close-range firing.
“The autopsy findings reinforce the serious concerns we have regarding Tyrin’s shooting,” said Andre Wharton, the family attorney. “The fact that Tyrin was shot in the back underscores the devastating nature of this encounter.”
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) stated that the investigation is ongoing. The Tennessee National Guard, Memphis Police Department, and Shelby County Medical Examiner’s Office were contacted for comments.
Call for Video Footage
Johnson’s family urged the release of surveillance footage and other evidence, believing video could clarify the events leading to the shooting. The autopsy labeled the manner of death as homicide, meaning it was caused by another person without suggesting criminal intent or charges.
Currently, no criminal charges are filed. TBI’s investigation remains open. Johnson was found with a handgun magazine, although possession was not illegal under Tennessee law.
Unanswered Questions
A crucial unanswered question involves Johnson’s actions before the shooting. If the official version holds true, and Johnson turned towards the soldiers, the autopsy doesn’t prove unlawful action. However, if Johnson was running away and not confronting the soldiers, the evidence could contradict the reason for the shooting.
Johnson was a previous student at Tennessee State University, with plans to return and participate in his family’s real estate business.