The family of Renee Nicole Good has released preliminary findings from an independent autopsy, offering new insight into the circumstances surrounding her death and intensifying scrutiny of the events that led to her fatal shooting by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent earlier this year.
Good, a 37-year-old Minneapolis resident, was killed on January 7 after an encounter with federal immigration officers. Her family has since launched a private investigation, seeking clarity and accountability in a case that has drawn national attention and renewed debate over the use of force by law enforcement agencies.
The events leading up to the shooting
According to statements provided by the Romanucci and Blandin law firm, which now represents Good’s family, the incident occurred shortly after Good had dropped her six-year-old child off at school. She was traveling in her car with her wife, Becca Good, when they noticed ICE agents conducting activity nearby.
Family attorneys say the couple stopped their vehicle to observe the situation, stating that they intended to support and assist members of their community. What followed, however, ended in tragedy. During the encounter, ICE agent Jonathan Ross discharged his firearm, fatally wounding Good.
Initial reports released by the Minneapolis Police and Fire Department confirmed that Good was shot multiple times and was found unresponsive inside her vehicle later that morning.
Independent autopsy commissioned by the family
In the weeks following her death, Good’s family retained Romanucci and Blandin, the same firm that represented the family of George Floyd. The firm commissioned an independent autopsy and launched a parallel private investigation, citing the need for transparency and an impartial review of the evidence.
At the family’s request, the firm released preliminary findings from the autopsy, which they say raise important questions about the use of force in the incident. The findings were shared with national media outlets and form part of the family’s broader effort to understand how and why the shooting occurred.
The independent autopsy identified multiple firearm-related injuries. According to the pathologist’s report, three clear bullet paths were documented, as well as an additional injury consistent with a graze wound. The report confirmed that Good was pronounced unresponsive at the scene shortly after 9:40 a.m.
While the report does not make legal conclusions, it provides detailed medical findings that the family believes are critical to evaluating the actions taken during the encounter.
Legal team emphasizes accountability
Antonio M. Romanucci, the family’s lead attorney, said the release of the autopsy findings reflects the family’s desire for transparency and accountability. He emphasized that the legal team is continuing to gather evidence, including video footage and witness testimony, to build a comprehensive understanding of what occurred.
Romanucci stated that the evidence reviewed so far must be evaluated under established standards of reasonable policing and the totality of the circumstances. He added that the firm remains committed to advocating for the Good family and ensuring that Renee Good’s death is thoroughly examined.
The firm has not yet filed a civil lawsuit, but attorneys have indicated that further legal action remains under consideration as the investigation continues.
Conflicting narratives and public scrutiny
The shooting has sparked widespread public reaction, with supporters of the Good family calling for an independent review of ICE’s conduct and critics urging caution until all facts are established. Federal authorities have not released detailed public findings beyond initial statements confirming the involvement of an ICE agent.
The Department of Homeland Security has said that the incident remains under review. ICE has not publicly commented on the independent autopsy findings, citing the ongoing nature of investigations.
Legal experts note that cases involving federal agents can involve multiple layers of review, including internal agency investigations, coordination with local law enforcement, and potential oversight by the Department of Justice.
Family calls attention to Renee Good’s life
Amid growing debate and media attention, members of Good’s family have urged the public not to lose sight of who she was beyond the circumstances of her death. In a statement to The Guardian, Good’s sister-in-law, Jess Fletcher, said that public discourse surrounding the case has often overlooked Renee Good as a person.
She described Good as a devoted parent, partner, and community member, expressing concern that political rhetoric and online arguments have overshadowed her humanity. Family members have repeatedly said that their pursuit of answers is rooted not in politics, but in grief and a desire for justice.
Broader implications
The case has emerged at a time of heightened national discussion around law enforcement accountability and the role of federal agencies in local communities. Advocacy groups have pointed to the shooting as part of a broader pattern of concern over the use of force, while law enforcement representatives emphasize the complexity and danger officers can face during field operations.
Independent autopsies, while not legally binding, often play a significant role in shaping civil litigation and public understanding. In past cases, such findings have prompted renewed investigations or contributed to legal settlements.
For the Good family, the release of the autopsy is part of a longer process. Attorneys say further findings may be made public as the investigation progresses, depending on what additional evidence reveals.
What happens next
As of now, no criminal charges have been announced in connection with the shooting. Authorities continue to review evidence, including body-camera footage, forensic reports, and witness accounts. The family’s legal team has indicated it will continue to press for disclosure of all relevant materials.
Meanwhile, community members in Minneapolis have held vigils and gatherings in Good’s memory, calling for transparency and reform while offering support to her family.
The case remains active, and its final outcome is uncertain. What is clear is that Renee Nicole Good’s death has become a focal point in an ongoing national conversation about accountability, policing standards, and the human cost of enforcement actions.
For her family, the release of the independent autopsy marks another step in their effort to seek answers — and to ensure that Renee Good’s life, not just her death, is remembered.
James Jenkins is a celebrated Pulitzer Prize-winning author whose work has reshaped the way readers think about social justice and human rights in America. Raised in Atlanta, Georgia, James grew up in a community that instilled in him both resilience and a strong sense of responsibility toward others. After studying political science and creative writing at Howard University, he worked as a journalist covering civil rights issues before dedicating himself fully to fiction. His novels are known for their sharp, empathetic portraits of marginalized communities and for weaving personal stories with broader political realities. Jenkins’s breakout novel, Shadows of Freedom, won national acclaim for its unflinching look at systemic inequality, while his more recent works explore themes of identity, resilience, and the fight for dignity in the face of oppression. Beyond his novels, James is an active public speaker, lecturing at universities and participating in nonprofit initiatives that support literacy and community empowerment. He believes that storytelling is a way to preserve history and inspire change. When not writing, James enjoys jazz music, mentoring young writers, and traveling with his family to explore cultures and stories around the world.
