SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — The San Francisco Medical Examiner’s Office released an autopsy report on Friday on the shooting death of Mario Woods.
According to the report, Woods had been shot at least 20 times, including at least twice in the head.
It is unclear how many bullets actually struck Woods, however. The report indicates that five projectiles, two copper jackets and numerous fragments were recovered during the autopsy, and that 27 bullet casings were found at the scene.
The report also said Woods was shot in the back, arm, hands, buttocks, and legs.
He had THC in his system and methamphetamine, according to the report.
Police were responding to a stabbing report in the city’s gritty Bayview neighborhood on Dec. 2 when they encountered and surrounded the 26-year-old Woods. Five officers shot and killed him after he appeared to raise an 8-inch knife and approach an officer, according to police.
Woods’ family has disputed that account and filed a lawsuit against the department. Their attorney has said he was not aggressively fighting the officers, who should have backed away.
Video clips of the incident have circulated widely online, sparking protests and calls for Police Chief Greg Suhr’s resignation.
San Francisco police and prosecutors are investigating the killing.
Police have said they tried using less-lethal “bean bag” rounds on Woods before shooting him. The autopsy report Thursday showed five injuries to his chest, forearm, hip, thigh and calf consistent with such projectiles.
Attorney John Burris, who is representing Woods’ mother, Gwen Woods, called the number of shots, especially those to the back, “shocking,” and said the family was “devastated” to see it.
“It’s certainly consistent with officers unloading a weapon against a person who was not threatening them,” Burris said.
Woods’ family has said that he suffered from mental health issues, and Burris said the officers also failed to assess Woods’ mental state and recognize that he was impaired.
“Because he had meth in his body, that’s not a death warrant,” Burris said. “Even not following commands by the police doesn’t justify using deadly force in this case.”
The family is pursuing a civil suit, and Burris has asked for a federal criminal investigation into the shooting. The U.S. Justice Department has announced a review of overall department policies and practices but not an investigation into Woods’ shooting.
Police released a statement acknowledging that the “tragic incident” had shaken the trust of many residents in the department.
“It is difficult for anyone to watch videos of the shooting,” police said. “Similarly it is equally as difficult to read the medical examiner’s report.”
Police noted that the report appeared to corroborate the facts gathered by investigators after the shooting.
Below is the full autopsy report:
Bay City News contributed to this report