Autopsy report in officer-involved shooting death released
Abc-7 has obtained a copy of the autopsy report for Erik Salas Sanchez, the man El Paso police shot and killed by officers, after allegedly threatening to kill them. The eight-page report shows Salas Sanchez died from multiple gunshot wounds.
The shooting happened April 29th inside a home on the 300 block of Jesuit Drive in the Lower Valley. Police were responding to a burglary when they encountered the 22-year old man.
Police have not responded to Abc-7’s request for comment on the investigation.
The Mexican Consulate meanwhile, is assisting the family at this time, because Salas Sanchez was a Mexican citizen living legally in the U.S. The consulate tells Abc-7 the family wants answers.
“From the first moment we asked all the different agencies involved to do it in a clear manner.” Mexico’s Consul General Jacob Prado says.
Prado says they’re calling for a full investigation of the shooting death. The autopsy report shows Salas Sanchez was shot three times–once in the right back, left back and the buttock.
A toxicology report also reveals the man had an antidepressant and traces of marijuana residue in his system.
The night of the shooting, police responded to a buglary happening on the same block Salas Sanchez lived. At the time, police told Abc-7, the location Salas Sanchez was shot, was a different location he was suspected of burglarizing. Police say they encountered the man, when he threatened to kill them with a metal object. When he allegedly charged at them, they tried to tase him, but that failed. That’s when a 10-year veteran of the department shot and killed him. He was immediately placed on administrative leave.
“We are waiting for the full report and the full investigation so we can actually establish what the steps are going to be needed in collaboration with the lawyer that is representing the family,” Prado says.
Police have yet to identify what type of object the man had in his hand that night, or why they believed he was a burglary suspect. Since receiving the autopsy report, the consulate has been in contact with all investigating agencies–Texas Rangers, Police and the District Attorney’s office.
Whether or not the case moves forward, will be up to the D.A’s office.
“They will review the whole investigation, including the autopsy then they will decide if this is a case that needs to be followed up with a grand jury or not,” Prado says.
Abc-7 asked the Consul General if he believes there’s a discrepancy between the police report stating Salas Sanchez was charging them, and the autopsy finding that he was shot in the back, but Prado tells Abc-7 he can’t comment on that until he receives the final report.
Prado says the D.A’s office anticipates all investigative reports to be completed early next year.
