An independent autopsy commissioned by the family of Renee Good—the Minneapolis woman fatally shot earlier this month by an immigration agent—found she was shot at least three times, with injuries to her head, arm, and breast, according to the family’s lawyers.
The preliminary findings were outlined by the law firm Romanucci & Blandin in a news release shared with Newsweek on Wednesday. A spokesperson for the firm said the full autopsy report would not be released “at this time.”
Why It Matters
Minneapolis has seen intense protests since immigration agent Jonathan Ross shot Good—a U.S. citizen and mother of three—while she was inside her vehicle on January 7, amid the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and other administration officials have defended Ross, arguing he acted in self-defense after believing Good was attempting to run him or other agents over with her vehicle. State and local leaders have pushed back on that characterization and have called for ICE to leave the city. Video of the shooting has also raised questions about whether the incident meets the standard for self-defense.
Good’s family retained Romanucci & Blandin to conduct an independent investigation after the administration sought to investigate Good’s alleged ties to organized anti-ICE groups and rejected calls for a civil rights investigation into Ross’ use of force. Local officials have also voiced concern that the FBI and the Department of Justice blocked the state from conducting its own investigation, leaving the probe solely to the FBI.
What to Know
According to the preliminary autopsy description provided by the lawyers, one gunshot struck Good in the left forearm, causing soft-tissue hemorrhage. Another bullet entered her right breast but did not penetrate any major organs.
The autopsy findings described by the firm said neither of those wounds was immediately life-threatening.
A third bullet entered the left side of her head near the temple and exited on the right side, the autopsy said.
The report also noted a graze wound that was “consistent with a firearm injury, but with no penetration.”
The firm said the examination was conducted by a “highly respected and credentialed” medical pathologist, though the individual was not named.
What People Are Saying
Antonio M. Romanucci, lead lawyer for Good’s family, said in a statement shared with Newsweek: “We believe the evidence we are gathering and will continue to gather in our investigation will suffice to prove our case. The video evidence depicting the events of January 7, 2026, is clear, particularly when viewed through the standards of reasonable policing and totality of circumstances. Additionally, our legal team will continue its unwavering and proactive advocacy for Renee’s life and her family.”
Assistant Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement to Newsweek that Good “was using her vehicle to block-in law enforcement officers and impede lawful operations.”
McLaughlin said: “She then proceeded to weaponize her vehicle, a deadly weapon, and hit a federal law enforcement officer. The ICE officer, fearing for his life, the lives of his fellow law enforcement, and the safety of the public, fired defensive shots.”
She added: “Peaceful protest is a sacred First Amendment right. This was not that. If you impede law enforcement operations, ignore law commands, and use a deadly weapon to kill or cause bodily harm to a federal law enforcement office there are dangerous, and in this case deadly, consequences. This was entirely preventable.”
Good’s parents, Tim and Donna Ganger, and her four siblings previously said in a statement shared with Newsweek: “We want to thank everyone who has reached out in support of Renee and our family. The kind of unending care we’ve been given during this time is exactly the kind that she gave to everyone. Nae was the beautiful light of our family and brought joy to anyone she met. She was relentlessly hopeful and optimistic which was contagious. We all already miss her more than words could ever express.”
President Donald Trump said at a news conference marking his first year back in office on Tuesday: “You know, when the woman was shot, I felt terribly about that. And I understand both sides of it.”
He added: “You know they’re going to make mistakes sometimes. ICE is going to be too rough with somebody or, you know, they deal with rough people. They’re going to make a mistake. Sometimes it can happen, we feel terribly. I felt horribly when I was told that the young woman who was, had the tragedy. It’s a tragedy. It’s a horrible thing.”
What Happens Next
The law firm said the results of an official autopsy conducted by the Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office have not yet been released to Good’s family or legal team.
The FBI’s investigation remains ongoing.
