Autopsy report: Franklin shot 10 times

A detailed autopsy report from the Hennepin County Medical Examiner's office obtained by MPR News found nine bullets entered Terrance Franklin's body, and one bullet grazed his scalp. Most of the shots hit him in the head and neck.

Yet the Minneapolis police department's account of the shooting said Franklin was shot eight times by police officers. The department described Franklin as weighing close to 200 pounds.  However, the autopsy lists Franklin's weight at 173 pounds, fully clothed. Minneapolis police officials haven't responded to a call for comment on the discrepancies.

Franklin died on May 10, after fighting with police officers in the basement of an Uptown Minneapolis home. According to an official description released by the MPD last week, Franklin grabbed an officer's gun as he pushed the officer backward onto the floor. Officers say Franklin fired two shots wounding officers Ricardo Muro, and Michael Meath.  Officer Lucas Peterson and Meath say they both fired at Franklin.  Police say they tried to help Franklin, but he died on the floor.

Attorney Mike Padden, who is representing Franklin's parents, says the report shows the shooting didn't happen the way officers described it.   The report indicates the penetrating gunshot wounds struck Franklin's right side.  Padden says he believes that indicates only one officer shot Franklin, not two.  He says he will speak publicly later this week about what he thinks the officers did during the shooting.  A Hennepin County Grand Jury cleared the officers of any criminal charges last week.

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.