SENECA, S.C. – The U.S. Department of Justice says it will investigate the shooting death of a South Carolina teen killed during an attempted drug bust.
In a statement released Wednesday night, the department said it will investigate the shooting of 19-year-old Zachary Hammond, who was killed the night of July 26.
Seneca police Lt. Mark Tiller has said he shot Hammond during the bust because he felt threatened as the teen drove his car at him.
Hammond's family had sought a federal investigation. They say autopsy results show Hammond was shot through the driver's side window from behind, indicating there was no danger to the officer.
Both the officer and the teen are white.
The Justice Department's announcement came just hours after Hammond's parents called on authorities to release dashboard camera video.
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