Last Tuesday, the State of Utah released the autopsy of 22-year-old Darrien Hunt, the African American
man killed in front of a Panda Express, by Utah police back in September.
The state autopsy documents six gunshot wounds on the body of 22-year-old Darrien Hunt and finds at least four of the shots entered his body from behind.
That generally confirms the results of an independent autopsy released by his family, who said Hunt was treated differently because he was black.
The police had initially claimed that Hunt had lunged at police officers
as they were getting out of their patrol car, with his replica samurai sword. When a
photo was released, shortly after the incident, showing Hunt standing and smiling, talking with the police officers
outside of their vehicle, the police began their process of back-tracking. His family insists he was "cosplaying" a character and a witness has corroborated the fact that he had earbuds in. An assertion that Darrien Hunt had been
under the influence was floated out to the media.
The autopsy found no drugs in his system.
Normally I would make a snarky joke, something in that vein–I have a proclivity towards humor.
But I just can't find something to say that's funny.
After allegedly lunging at the officers with his sword, three shots were fired, according to the autopsy report.
Hunt ran about 200 yards toward a nearby Panda Express restaurant. A fourth shot was fired on the east side of the restaurant. Hunt then ran to the north side of the restaurant where police fired three more times, bringing the total number of shots to seven, the report states.
Hunt collapsed on the northwest corner of the Panda Express.
The Utah police officers have been suspended with pay for the time being.
Susan Hunt, Darrien's mother:
But just as important to Susan Hunt, toxicology tests from the autopsy "did not reveal any positive findings of toxicological significance," meaning Hunt did not have illegal drugs in his system at the time.
"What really upsets me … people are trying to justify killing my son. 'He had to have been drunk. He had to have been on drugs.' So that means a cop can kill him? But he wasn't!" Hunt screamed, before busting into tears.
Utah drags it's feet as they investigate what is turning out to be another clear example of excessive, murderous force, used by law enforcement, against a person they were sworn to protect. But they can
bring charges fast if they want.
A prosecutor is considering misdemeanor charges against the mother of the sword-carrying man fatally shot by Saratoga Springs police.
Saratoga Springs police spokesman Owen Jackson confirmed Friday that, "On Oct. 19 there was an incident" involving Susan Hunt and two officers.
[...]
KUTV reported Hunt pulled up behind a pair of police officers during an unrelated traffic stop of another motorist and began verbally and physically assaulting them.
Susan Hunt should say that the officers she allegedly "verbally and physically" assaulted fit the description of the men who murdered her son. That isn't a joke. I am dead serious.