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Independent autopsy reveals Keith Scott shot at least four times

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The attorneys for the family of Keith Lamont Scott released an independent autopsy report conducted after he was killed in an officer-involved shooting last month.

The autopsy found that Scott was hit in his upper back, abdomen and twice near his left hand.

The forensic pathologist, Kim Collins, who conducted the autopsy concluded the cause of death was from two gunshot wounds to his back and abdomen.

The attorneys released the following statement Wednesday:

We believe the first shot fired was the shot that struck Keith in the back and ultimately killed him. The Scott family authorized this release of information because, as they have maintained from the very beginning, they are simply seeking transparency. We will continue to pursue justice for this family.

Scott’s death sparked several nights of protests in Charlotte that turned violent at times.

Many called for the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department to release the body cam and dash cam videos from that shooting.

Officers were called to The Village at College Downs to serve a warrant, when one officer said he witnessed Scott with drugs and a gun.

The officers said they identified themselves as police officers and gave clear and repeated verbal commands for Scott to drop the gun. They said Scott refused to follow the officers’ commands.

Body cam and dashcam video showed Scott getting out of his vehicle and backing away from the vehicle, while ignoring the officers’ verbal commands to drop the gun.

Officer Brentley Vinson perceived his actions to be an imminent physical threat and fired his weapon, police said.

Police Chief Kerr Putney said a gun was found at the scene, and a lab analysis of the weapon revealed the presence of Scott’s DNA and his fingerprints on the gun. It was also determined that the gun Scott possessed was loaded at the time of the encounter with the officers.

Officer Vinson is on paid administrative leave while the investigation continues.

The Medical Examiner’s autopsy report has not yet been released.

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