New revelations from an autopsy report into deadly police shooting of Ismael Lopez in Southaven July of 2017.
The autopsy identifies the officers involved and confirms how Ismael Lopez was killed. Back in July, a Desoto County Grand Jury did not indict Southaven Police officers in Ismael Lopez death. The autopsy report now lists two of the three officers that went to the Lopez home that night. Desoto County District Attorney, John Champion used the autopsy in his case to the grand jury.
The 9-page report details the injuries Ismael Lopez endured the night he was shot to death at his Southaven home. The report states Lopez died from a single gunshot wound to the back of his head and the bullet lodged in his brain. The manner of his death, homicide. Caffeine was the only drug found in his body.
Charles Coulston lives around the corner from Lopez and says his neighbor was not a confrontational person.
“They killed my friend,” Coulston explained. “He was a good man. Good mechanic, everybody loved him.”
Champion told Local 24 News while Southaven officers made a mistake by going to the wrong house, they did nothing criminal because investigators say Lopez first pointed a rifle at officers. The autopsy report lists Zachary Durden and Samuel Maze as the officers who responded to the Lopez home. Durden has resigned, and Maze is still on the police force. Local 24 News reporter, Annette Peagler tried talking to Maze at his home, but no one answered the door.
Southaven Police declined a comment for our report, because a spokesperson says the Lopez family is considering a lawsuit. Neighbors say Lopez’ death was a blow to their community.
“How can you get the wrong address, it’s plainly there,” Coulston explained. “I didn’t like it worth a crap, I mean you know, they should have got him. It was plain murder.”
Champion says the Lopez case is officially closed. Local 24 News reached out to Lopez family for a comment about the autopsy and we are waiting to hear back.
