COLUMBUS (WCMH) — Franklin County Coroner Dr. Anahi Ortiz released her initial findings, Wednesday, on the shooting death of Casey Goodson Jr.
According to Ortiz, based on her current findings, Goodson’s cause of death is multiple gunshot wounds to the torso.
“Based on findings from the autopsy and medical death investigation, manner of death is homicide. Cause of death, at this time is preliminary; we are awaiting medical records as well as the toxicology report,” Ortiz released in a statement.
The final autopsy report is expected to take 12 to 14 weeks.
NBC4’s Dan Pearlman pressed Dr. Ortiz for information about whether the shots entered the front or back of Goodson’s body. Ortiz responded that she was not able to do so at this time.
Goodson died Friday after being shot by Deputy Jason Meade, who was on assignment with the U.S. Marshal’s Service Fugitive Task Force at the time. Police and Goodson’s family members have put forth differing versions of the events that led up to his death, but Goodson was not related to the marshal’s activities.
U.S. Attorney David M. DeVillers said he talked to Dr. Ortiz Wednesday morning.
“In order for Dr. Ortiz to be accurate, she has to have all information needed,” said DeVillers. “This includes toxicology reports as well as medical records from the hospital’s attempt to save Mr. Goodson’s life. This will take some time and we do not expect final detailed findings for approx. 12 weeks. In the meantime this investigation continues.”
The Columbus Division of Police issued a statement Wednesday afternoon saying that the investigation is ongoing.
“The investigation by Columbus Division of Police Critical Incident Response Team continues, and Columbus Police will share information as we are able. Many of the facts of this shooting will not be known until the investigation is completed,” the statement reads, in part.
CPD says they have not identified any civilian eyewitnesses to the shooting. They ask anyone who may have seen something to call CPD Homicide at 614-645-4730.
Statements made by representatives of other agencies involved in the Friday Task Force operation were viewpoints expressed by those not involved and without knowledge of the investigation. Columbus Police are conducting the investigation. We have not predetermined the outcome of the investigation. Our commitment is to follow the evidence. That is what we owe the family of Casey Goodson, and the community we serve.
As with all criminal investigations, some investigative information is protected and will not be released until the investigation and legal process have concluded. This is to maintain the integrity of the investigation, to ensure an accurate, untainted outcome, and to protect the interests of everyone impacted by this tragedy.
Columbus Division of Police
