A private autopsy commissioned by the family of Renee Good, who was fatally shot by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer in Minneapolis on January 7, reveals critical details challenging initial federal narratives. The independent medical examination, conducted by a credentialed pathologist, confirmed three distinct gunshot wounds, notably one to the head.
Attorneys for the family stated that while injuries to the forearm and breast were non-life-threatening, the third projectile entered the left side of Good’s head near the temple and exited contralaterally. Lead counsel Antonio M. Romanucci emphasized that the evidence gathered, especially when juxtaposed with cellphone video footage, strongly supports their legal position regarding the 'totality of circumstances' surrounding the police action.
This independent finding contrasts with the ongoing official investigation by the FBI and the lack of immediate findings from the Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office. The January incident occurred during a deployment of federal immigration enforcement assets to the Twin Cities, a move that has already drawn sharp criticism from local political leadership, including Governor Tim Walz and Mayor Jacob Frey, who have expressed tension with federal justification of the use of force.
The confrontation, captured on video, reportedly showed Good attempting to drive away from the ICE officer, Jonathan Ross, just prior to multiple shots being fired, causing her SUV to crash. Federal authorities, including Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, have defended Ross's actions, alleging Good was non-compliant and that the officer acted in self-defense after sustaining injuries, though specifics remain limited.
The divergence between the family’s forensic evidence and the official stance sets the stage for a significant legal and political confrontation. The incident underscores the volatile intersection of heightened federal enforcement operations and local governance, particularly concerning accountability in high-stakes encounters. The FBI investigation is proceeding, though state officials report being excluded from substantive participation in the probe.
Source attribution: Based on reporting from the family's legal counsel and public statements reviewed by La Era.