Tennessee National Guard fatally shot armed man in the back, autopsy shows

An autopsy report has revealed that Tennessee National Guard members fatally shot 20-year-old Tyrin Johnson in the back, directly contradicting earlier police accounts. The guard members were part of a federal anti-crime task force operating in Memphis.

Authorities had stated that Johnson, armed with a gun, turned toward the troops while running away from them in the early morning hours following the Fourth of July holiday. However, the autopsy report, shared by Johnson's family, indicates a single bullet entered the right side of his back and exited his upper right chest.

The West Tennessee regional forensic center prepared the autopsy findings. The report noted a slightly upward trajectory of the bullet through Johnson's body, which a forensic pathologist suggested is consistent with being shot while running away. The absence of gunpowder stippling also suggests the shot was fired from more than three feet away.

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If he ain’t caused you no threat, you know what I’m saying, you have no reason to be killing.

Evaniel Johnson, Tyrin's grandfather, expressed his grief and called for accountability, stating, "If he ain’t caused you no threat, you know what I’m saying, you have no reason to be killing." He emphasized the need for transparency, adding, "Be transparent – you shot him in the back."

The Memphis Safe Task Force, to which the guard members were assigned, was established as part of a federal initiative to combat crime in cities. This task force has been involved in four fatal shootings between May and July.

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Be transparent – you shot him in the back.