Final two autopsies released for officers killed in April east Charlotte shootout
CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — The final autopsies have been released for two of the four law enforcement officers who were fatally shot while trying to serve a warrant in east Charlotte.
On Wednesday, June 26, the Mecklenburg County Medical Examiner’s Office released the autopsies of CMPD Officer Joshua Eyer, 31, and Deputy U.S. Marshal Thomas Weeeks Jr., 48.
Both law enforcement officers were serving on a task force with the U.S. Marshals Service when they, along with NC Department of Adult Corrections Investigator Samuel Poloche, 42, and NC Department of Adult Corrections Investigator William Alden Elliott, 46, were shot in the 5000 block of Galway Drive in east Charlotte on Monday afternoon, April 29.
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According to the report, Officer Eyer suffered a gunshot wound to the chest and abdomen. He was shot in the back, right chest. The report indicates the bullet was recovered from his body.
CMPD Chief Jennings said Eyer was a hero who rushed into danger trying to help his fellow law enforcement officers. He passed away after fighting for his life in the hospital, authorities said.
According to the second released report from the medical examiner’s office, Weeks Jr. suffered a gunshot wound to the chest during the deadly shootout.
The autopsy examination revealed a gunshot wound to the chest, blunt-force injuries, and an enlarged heart. The report states Weeks Jr. was shot in the front, left upper chest. A portion of the bullet did leave his body and a projectile fragment was found in one lung, the report said.
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The suspect, Terry Clark Hughes, Jr., used a semi-automatic AR-15 rifle and a 40-caliber handgun during the April shootout. He was shot and killed in the front yard of the home by law enforcement.
All four law enforcement officers have since been laid to rest, with support pouring in to their families from all over the Carolinas and the country.
Various organizations have donated to the fallen officers’ families and related agencies.
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