Justin Lee Crouch Cause Of Death – An autopsy is scheduled for Tuesday to determine the cause of death of a man who was fatally shot during an officer-involved incident at a Walmart in Amarillo. Authorities have identified the deceased as 42-year-old Justin Lee Crouch.
The incident occurred outside the Walmart located near the intersection of Interstate 27 and Georgia Street. According to reports, Crouch had been sitting in a parked vehicle in the store’s lot at the time of the shooting.
Around 11:40 a.m. on Saturday, employees at the Walmart contacted local police to report a suspicious vehicle in the parking lot. In response, officers were dispatched to the scene to investigate.
Upon arrival, officers attempted to make contact with Crouch inside the vehicle. However, he was reportedly unresponsive to their attempts at communication. During this interaction, one officer observed a firearm inside the vehicle and chose to retreat to a safer position.
Shortly after, officers at the scene heard a single gunshot fired from within the vehicle. In response to this shot, one officer discharged their weapon toward the car.
Following the exchange, officers approached the vehicle again and found Crouch deceased inside.
At this point, it remains unclear whether Crouch died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound or as a result of the shot fired by the responding officer. The pending autopsy is expected to provide more definitive answers regarding the manner of death.
The circumstances surrounding the incident are still under investigation. Authorities have not released additional details about what led up to the shooting or whether any other individuals witnessed the event. It is also unknown whether body camera footage or other video evidence is available to assist in the investigation.
Incidents involving officer-involved shootings typically undergo thorough review processes. It is standard procedure for autopsies and internal investigations to be conducted to ensure transparency and to clarify the sequence of events.
The shooting has drawn attention within the community, particularly as questions remain regarding whether Crouch took his own life or was fatally wounded by police gunfire. The outcome of the autopsy will be a key factor in determining the official cause of death.
At this time, law enforcement has not released further commentary about the incident or the involved officers. No additional injuries were reported, and there is no indication that other members of the public were in danger during the encounter.
As the investigation proceeds, the public awaits more information from both the Amarillo Police Department and the results of the autopsy. The findings will likely shape any further actions or reviews related to the case.
Meanwhile, the shooting serves as a somber reminder of the potential volatility of encounters between police and individuals believed to be armed. The community remains focused on understanding exactly what transpired in this tragic situation.