Autopsy: Guard Shot Memphis Man in Back

An autopsy says Tennessee National Guard members shot 20-year-old Tyrin Johnson in the back in Memphis — contradicting law enforcement accounts that he turned and pointed a gun at them.

The report, prepared by the West Tennessee Regional Forensic Center Office of the Medical Examiner, says a single bullet entered the right side of Johnson's back and exited through his upper right chest.

Johnson's family shared the report with The Associated Press on Thursday. The findings were reported earlier by The Commercial Appeal.

The guard members were assigned to the Memphis Safe Task Force, created by President Donald Trump, who last year sent troops and federal agents into Democratic-run cities he described as overrun with crime.

What the autopsy says

One bullet, entering the right side of the back and exiting the upper right chest, with a slightly upward trajectory through the body.

Dr. Steven White, a certified forensic pathologist who did not perform the autopsy but reviewed the report for the AP, said that trajectory would be consistent with Johnson running away from the shooter.

The report notes no soot, gunpowder stippling or muzzle imprint around the wound — which White said indicates Johnson was likely shot from more than 3 feet away.

The manner of death is listed as "homicide," a designation typically used when a death is caused by another person's actions. It often does not factor in intent and generally carries no legal weight.

An "investigative narrative" inside the same report, based on an account from a Tennessee Bureau of Investigation agent, states that Johnson was turning toward law enforcement with a gun: "The unknown male grabbed at his waistband. Law enforcement officers saw the unknown male draw a firearm. Law enforcement officers then shot at the unknown male, striking him once in the chest."

The report says Johnson was carrying a "handgun magazine with rounds." Family attorney Andre Wharton said it was not illegal to carry that ammunition in Tennessee.