SARATOGA SPRINGS, Utah – The family of a 22-year-old black man who was fatally shot by police in Utah is disputing investigators' statements that he was shot after he lunged at officers with a sword and race played no role in the shooting.
Randall Edwards, an attorney for Darrien Hunt's family, said Saturday night that an independent autopsy requested by the family shows Hunt was shot "numerous times, all from the rear."
He says that's consistent with statements made by witnesses, who say Hunt was shot while running away from police Wednesday in Saratoga Springs, about 35 miles south of Salt Lake City.
Utah County Chief Deputy Attorney Tim Taylor didn't immediately return phone calls Sunday.
Taylor issued a statement Saturday saying Hunt was shot when he lunged toward officers with a sword.
