Introduction
In a heartbreaking revelation, the autopsy summary released by Summit County Medical Examiner Lisa Kohler sheds light on the injuries sustained by Jayland Walker, a 25-year-old Black man who was fatally shot by Akron police on June 27. The findings indicate that Walker had a staggering total of 46 gunshot wounds or graze injuries on his body. The release of this information comes in the midst of two weeks of protests and unrest in downtown Akron, as the community demands justice and accountability for the officers involved in Walker’s death.
The Autopsy Findings
During a news conference, Medical Examiner Lisa Kohler provided further insight into Walker’s injuries. She clarified that there were more than 46 labeled wounds on Walker’s body, with 46 identified as gunshot entrance wounds or graze injuries on the surface of the skin. Additionally, there were 15 exit wounds, indicating that some bullets did not exit his body. Kohler emphasized that the number of wounds does not necessarily correspond to the number of shots fired, making it impossible to determine which bullet caused Walker’s death.
Unveiling the Details
Kohler revealed that five bullets entered Walker’s body from the back. However, she clarified that this does not necessarily indicate that Walker was running away; he could have twisted his body in a way that allowed the bullets to enter from that angle. It’s important to note that Walker was handcuffed when his body arrived at the medical examiner’s office.
The toxicology report showed no evidence of drugs or alcohol in Walker’s system. Additionally, a total of 26 bullets were recovered from his body. Kohler determined that Walker’s cause of death was due to blood loss, ruling it as a homicide. However, she stressed that this ruling is a medical classification and not a legal conclusion.
Gunshot Residue Report
Kohler addressed the absence of a gunshot residue report, explaining that both the FBI and the Medical Examiner’s office have discontinued conducting such tests in recent years. She acknowledged that while the technology used for detecting gunshot residue is reliable, there are several factors that can contribute to false positive or false negative results. It’s important to note that a positive test does not necessarily indicate that a person fired a weapon, and a negative test does not mean that the person tested did not fire a weapon or was not in the vicinity of a fired weapon.
Legal Team’s Response
Ken Abbarno, one of the attorneys representing Walker’s family, described the autopsy findings as devastating during an impromptu press conference. He emphasized that the autopsy report reveals the brutal and senseless death of an unarmed man without drugs or alcohol in his system. The family and their attorneys will thoroughly review the autopsy information and compare it with the officers’ body camera footage to gain a clearer understanding of Walker’s position at the time the bullets were fired.
Investigation Ongoing
The exact number of shots fired at Walker has yet to be determined. The medical examiner’s report is separate from the ongoing investigation by the Bureau of Criminal Investigation, which will provide a comprehensive account of the number of shots fired. Although initial reports citing an unnamed source suggested that Walker was shot at least 60 times by eight officers, this information has not been officially confirmed. The situation has garnered significant attention, prompting the NAACP to request a federal civil rights investigation into Walker’s death.
Conclusion
As the details of Jayland Walker’s autopsy are unveiled, the community grapples with the devastating reality of his tragic death. The findings raise further questions and concerns surrounding the circumstances of the incident. The ongoing investigations aim to provide a comprehensive account of the events that unfolded and shed light on the number of shots fired. The pursuit of justice and accountability remains at the forefront as the community mourns the loss of a young life and seeks answers.