Autopsy concludes Phoenix police shooting of unarmed man is homicide

PHOENIX — An autopsy has classified the shooting death of an unarmed black suspect who fought with Phoenix police as a homicide.

Maricopa County spokeswoman Cari Gerchick on Monday said the autopsy conducted
over the weekend by the Medical Examiner’s Office determined that 34-year-old
Rumain Brisbon died from multiple gunshot wounds to his torso.

Brisbon died Dec. 2 during a scuffle at an apartment complex. Police
previously said the officer, who is white, fatally shot Brisbon. Police said Brisbon had been reaching in his pants and the officer thought it may have been a weapon.

It was later revealed he had a bottle of pills in his pocket.

Gerchick said the homicide classification was not an indication whether it was a crime.

Gerchick said a full autopsy report won’t be available for some time.

Police are conducting an internal investigation, and prosecutors will determine
whether the officer will face criminal charges.

Brisbon’s death sparked a protest in Phoenix.

The shooting happened one day before a New York City grand jury did not indict a white officer in the chokehold death of an unarmed black man.