Autopsy reveals Tennessee Guard shot 20-year-old in back, contradicting official account

Key points

• Autopsy shows a single bullet wound in Johnson's back, contradicting the official claim that he was facing officers with a weapon.
• The manner of death is listed as 'homicide,' but no criminal charges have been filed against the National Guard members.
• The family’s attorney argues that the official narrative does not match the autopsy findings and demands access to surveillance video.
• The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation states the investigation is 'open and ongoing' and directs inquiries to the medical examiner's office.

Background

This incident follows a pattern of fatal police shootings in 2026, including an unarmed 17-year-old in Austin and a double homicide in Florida involving a National Guard cadet. The deployment of Tennessee National Guard troops to Memphis to combat crime was met with mixed responses and a lawsuit, though it did not result in widespread protests.

Why it matters

The discrepancy between the official account and the autopsy findings raises serious questions about the use of force by National Guard troops deployed to combat crime in Memphis. The lack of criminal charges and the family's demand for transparency highlight ongoing tensions between law enforcement and communities regarding accountability in fatal shootings.

What to watch

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation will continue its 'open and ongoing' investigation, while the family awaits access to surveillance video and other evidence. The Shelby County Medical Examiner's office is expected to provide the full autopsy report to the AP.