Gunman Who Killed Four Officers in Charlotte Died From Multiple Gunshot Wounds, Autopsy Reveals

Charlotte, North Carolina – Autopsy and toxicology reports have revealed more details about the death of the gunman responsible for the fatal attack on law enforcement officers in Charlotte, N.C. since 2016. Terry Clark Hughes Jr., 39, engaged officers with an assault rifle on April 29, resulting in the death of four officers and the injury of another four during an attempt to serve an arrest warrant. Following a lengthy standoff, Hughes sustained 12 gunshot wounds and succumbed to his injuries.

The autopsy report indicated that Hughes sustained gunshot wounds to both his upper and lower body. Additionally, traces of THC, the psychoactive compound in marijuana, were detected in his system, though other substances like alcohol were not found. The violent episode came to a conclusion when Hughes leaped from a second-story window into the front yard and was killed by officers. Reports suggest that at least 12 officers discharged their firearms during the confrontation.

Initial uncertainty surrounded whether Hughes acted alone in firing at officers from the second floor of the residence, with law enforcement initially considering the possibility of a second shooter. However, this theory was dispelled during a news conference on May 31 when authorities confirmed Hughes as the sole assailant. Two females were present in the home at the time of the incident but were not implicated in the shooting.

Hughes had a significant criminal history spanning over a decade, with prior charges of breaking and entering, eluding arrest, and illegal possession of a firearm as a felon. The four officers tragically killed by Hughes were identified as Sam Poloche and William Elliott from the North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Officer Joshua Eyer, and Deputy U.S. Marshal Thomas Weeks. In the aftermath of the shooting, memorials were held to honor the fallen officers across the state. Moreover, President Joe Biden visited North Carolina to offer his condolences to the families of the officers in a private meeting.