autopsy

More than six months after KRCB News requested a copy of the coroner's report in a fatal officer-involved-shooting near Healdsburg last summer, its been released and sent to the newsroom.

The Marin County Coroner's office has ruled the death of David Palaez Chavez a homicide, labeling the cause of death as quote "penetrating gunshot wounds to the head and chest."

The autopsy report also notes lab results found acute methamphetamine intoxication.

Palaez Chavez was killed in a creek bed July 29th, 2022 after a foot-chase across rugged, wooded terrain.

Police reports said Palaez Chavez was threatening deputies with a large rock, a hammer, and gardening tools when he was shot 

He was 36.

Police were called to the scene, an area of rural wineries near Healdsburg around 7:45 in the morning after Palaez Chavez allegedly shattered the window of a home with a rock.

According to the autopsy report, Palaez Chavez was struck three times. One bullet struck below his left ear, exiting the right side of his head, another stuck him in the chest. A graze wound to his arm may have been made by the bullet that struck his chest.

The narrative given to Marin County officials by Sonoma County sheriff deputies is that they ordered Palaez Chavez to drop the items in his hands after catching up with him at 10:01. A taser was fired and at 10:03, firearms. Deputies began CPR, but it is unclear exactly when. CPR was discontinued at 10:18 when no pulse was detected. Palaez Chavez was pronounced dead by a paramedic at 10:29 am.

He was found with fifteen dollars and thirteen cents.

Chavez's family has filed a wrongful death suit in federal court

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