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Akron police shot Jazmir Tucker 3 times, according to autopsy report

The 15-year-old was hit in the lower back, mid-back and arm
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AKRON, Ohio — The Summit County Medical Examiner released the autopsy report summary for 15-year-old Jazmir Tucker, revealing that he was hit by three bullets shot by Akron police, two of them in the back and one in the arm.

You can watch a summary of the autopsy below.

Akron police shot Jazmir Tucker 3 times, according to autopsy report

Dr. Robert Shott performed the autopsy, and Dr. Lisa Kohler reviewed the report.

The autopsy summary revealed Tucker had three gunshot wounds, two in his torso and one in the right arm. Kohler said the order in which the gunshot wounds struck Tucker is unknown.

One gunshot hit Tucker in the left mid-back, and a second gunshot hit Tucker's lower back just to the right of his spine. That bullet to the middle of the back damaged several organs, including the teen's heart.

"We don't have knowledge of how quickly he died. The wound to his heart would have been very devastating and it would have been rapid," Dr. Kohler said.

The cause of death has been ruled as a gunshot wound to the torso.

Kohler said the manner of death has been ruled a homicide because it was a death at the hands of another, and the ruling is not based on the law.

Tucker's family reviewed the autopsy before its release, according to Kohler.

Tucker was shot and killed by Akron police on Thanksgiving night while authorities said he was carrying a loaded gun, which was later found in his pocket.

Family left with questions after 15-year-old boy shot and killed by Akron police

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According to the Akron Police Department, a pair of patrol officers were parked in their marked cruiser at East Avenue and Vernon Odom Blvd. when they heard gunshots nearby and exited their patrol car.

Body camera footage showed Officer Davon Fields chasing the teen before the officer fired the deadly shots from a rifle.

Tucker was pronounced dead at a hospital.

The teen's family and community groups have criticized police for not rendering aid quickly. Body camera video show that it took about 10 minutes before aid was given to Jazmir.

Dr. Kohler was asked if quicker aid could have made a difference.

"With regards to rendering aid—because a heart was damaged by the gunshot injury— more rapid aid would not have changed the course of events," she said.

Both officers involved are on administrative leave while the investigation continues.

Attorneys for the family of Tucker have issued a statement following the release of the autopsy summary.

The tragic death of Jazmir Tucker was made even more difficult for his family today with the revelation that he was struck in the back by two bullets from an officer with the Akron Police Dept. Jazmir's family is devastated knowing that it now appears he wasn't even looking in the officer's direction when he was shot and killed. The Cochran Firm will continue its own independent investigation into this senseless shooting and won't rest until we get answers for this family. While Jazmir's family is deeply saddened to know that nothing can bring him back, they are heartened by the outpouring of support and prayers being shown by the community. They do not want another family to go through such a horrific tragedy and encourage the city of Akron to take every measure possible to protect citizens and properly train its officers.
Attorneys Michael Wright, Robert Gresham, Stanley Jackson and Shean Williams of The Cochran Firm - Ohio

Akron Councilman Eric D. Garrett, who has called on Mayor Shammas Malik to fire Officer Fields, said the autopsy report deepens his concerns.

"It's just a kid being shot in the back," Garrett said. "Based on the findings— being shot in the back, the torso— this is extremely troubling."

Akron Mayor Shammas Malik issued this statement.

I want to thank the staff of the Summit County Medical Examiner’s office for their work in preparing the report that was shared today. This report will be part of the evidence reviewed in the independent investigation being conducted by the state Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI). At the end of the BCI investigation, all the gathered information will be presented to a grand jury of Summit County residents for their consideration and review. As this process continues, and particularly on this day, I want to again express my heartfelt sympathies to the family and loved ones of Jazmir Tucker.
Mayor Malik

Akron NAACP President Judi Hill provided the following statement:

My heart goes out to the family of this young man. I am saddened that the autopsy results will retraumatize his loved ones and this community. The evidence is clear Jazmir did not pose a threat to the officers. The medical report indicates two fatal shots to the back of his body.

He was shot and killed by Akron Police.

Body cam footage clearly showed after Jazmir was shot, NO OFFICER provided any life saving measures for at least 10 minutes. He laid in the snow dying while officers on the scene yelled commands to stop moving.

As I write this tears are flowing.

How much more evidence is needed for us in the city of Akron to understand

The police department and city government Can't or won't make the necessary changes to policing.

1-WE NEED A PATTERN AND PRACTICE INVESTIGATION FROM THE DOJ.

Or

2. THE CITY OFFICIALS SHOULD BRING IN AN OUTSIDE TEAM NOW TO INVESTIGATE POLICING THAT WILL GUARANTEE ACTION ITEMS TO CREATE CHANGE.

We don't have time for more discussion. We can't afford to loose (sic) more Jazmir Tuckers.

FOP Akron Lodge #7 President Brian Lucy issued this statement below:

"Instances where police officers are forced to discharge their weapons are rare and always tragic. However, it is justifiable in many circumstances. The Coroner's report is a just a piece of the thorough and independent investigation being conducted. We cannot forget what else has been reported in the media: that an underage Jazmir Tucker was carrying a recently-fired and still-loaded semiautomatic handgun with an extended magazine. The members of FOP Lodge #7 stand united with our brothers and ask the public and our political leaders to wait until all facts are gathered before jumping to conclusions."