Watch CBS News

Independent Autopsy Contradicts SFPD's Story In Year-Old Officer-Involved Shooting

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) -- Evidence from an independent autopsy is contradicting the San Francisco Police Department's official story in a deadly police shooting that killed a young man from Guatemala a year ago Friday.

Amilcar Lopez, a young immigrant, was killed by San Francisco police in the Mission District on February 26, 2015.

The community was outraged, but in the wake of the shooting, SFPD Chief Greg Suhr said it was justified.

"The officers, as they are only allowed to fire in defense of themselves or others, felt that one of those situation was in play," Suhr said at the time of the shooting.

But KPIX 5 learned on Friday that a second, independent autopsy of Lopez shows he'd had been shot four times in the back, once through the arm and again through the back of his head.

Lopez's family attorney says that proves police were in the wrong. And now, the Justice for Mario Woods Coalition has taken up his banner.

"We see a pattern and practice of racism among law enforcement that culminates in the murder of young men of color in our city," said Justice for Mario Woods representative Karen Fleshman.

But whether its justice for Mario Woods, the man armed with a knife who police shot and killed in December, or a protest for Amilcar Lopez, the call for change is the same.

And the loudest is a cry to fire Chief Suhr.

When asked the new findings changed your support of Suhr, San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee said his position remained the same.

"I still have faith in Chief Suhr, in his management, with the oversight committee," said Lee. It's a whole team."

Not a popular answer among those who question that "whole team" and won't stop protesting until that change is made.

Police said they can't comment because there is ongoing litigation against the department in the Lopez case.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.