Memphis, Tenn. – An autopsy released Thursday reveals that Tyrin Johnson, a 20‑year‑old man, was fatally shot in the back by members of the Tennessee National Guard during a July 4th patrol. The findings conflict with police statements that said Johnson faced the guards when they opened fire.
Autopsy contradicts police narrative
The West Tennessee Regional Forensic Center’s report, obtained by The Associated Press, shows a single bullet entered Johnson’s right side of the back and exited his upper right chest. No soot, gunpowder stippling, or muzzle imprint was found around the wound, indicating the shot likely came from more than three feet away, suggesting he was moving away from the shooters.
Police accounts described Johnson turning toward the guards with a handgun, prompting the guards to fire. The guard report states the suspect “rounded on them and pointed a tan handgun at them,” leading both troops to fire their M17 service pistols. The autopsy’s trajectory, however, aligns more closely with a fleeing suspect.
Family demands accountability
Evaniel Johnson, a former correctional officer and the victim’s grandfather, expressed outrage, saying, “If he ain’t caused you no threat, you have no reason to be killing.” He and the family have requested surveillance video and any evidence showing Johnson pointing a weapon, but officials have not yet provided such material.
Attorney Andre Wharton, representing the family, called the discrepancy “blatant inconsistency,” noting the investigative narrative from a Tennessee Bureau of Investigation agent also claims Johnson turned toward law enforcement with a gun. Wharton emphasized that carrying a handgun magazine with rounds is legal in Tennessee.
Trump‑initiated task force under scrutiny
The guards involved were part of the Memphis Safe Task Force, a federal anti‑crime initiative created by President Donald Trump. The task force, deployed to several Democratic‑run cities, has been linked to four fatal shootings between May and July. While Trump’s administration argues the deployment is necessary to combat rising crime, local residents have expressed mixed reactions, and the program faced a lawsuit, though it has not sparked widespread protests.
To date, the manner of death is listed as “homicide,” a classification used when another person’s actions cause death, without implying legal intent. No criminal charges have been filed, and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation says the investigation remains open and ongoing.
What’s next?
The family continues to seek transparency and accountability. The Associated Press has requested a copy of the full autopsy from the Shelby County Medical Examiner’s office. As the investigation proceeds, community leaders and policymakers will likely debate the balance between aggressive crime‑fighting tactics and the protection of individual rights.
Original reporting: Dallas TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
