Anthony Dwain Lee - Autopsy Findings and Lawsuits

Autopsy Findings and Lawsuits

On October 30, 2000, Bernard C. Parks, who was then the chief of the LAPD, held a press conference to address the events surrounding Lee's shooting. Parks maintained that Officer Hopper acted in self defense and that Lee was pointing the replica gun "in a very direct location" towards Officer Hopper. Parks also showed the replica gun Lee was carrying at the time of the shooting comparing it to a real Desert Eagle. The replica reportedly appeared to be a near match.

On December 4, 2000, the results of Lee's autopsy were released. The autopsy determined that Lee was struck once in the back of the head and three times in the back. A toxicology reports also showed that Lee had alcohol and cocaine in his system at the time of his death.

On December 11, 2000 attorney Johnnie Cochran filed a $100 million wrongful death lawsuit against the LAPD on behalf of Tina Lee-Vogt, Lee's younger sister. Cochran, who was a vocal critic of the LAPD, stated that the "LAPD has never seen a shooting they didn't think they could justify". During a press conference held that same day, Cochran referred to Lee's autopsy report that showed the actor had been shot in the back of the head and in the back as proof that Officer Hopper's version of events were false. LAPD chief Bernard C. Parks said the positioning of Lee's wounds were likely sustained when Lee ducked or moved when he saw Officer Hopper's gun or was fired upon. Cochran dismissed Park's theory stating that it was, "so improbable. We have asked our experts about that, and it is very, very improbable." Cochran also dismissed Officer Hopper's claim that he was unaware that the gun was fake. Cochran stated, "Witnesses said this was a replica gun, and if you know replicas, they have those little orange tips on them so people who come in contact with them who are trained become aware."

Two other party attendants filed lawsuits against the LAPD. Jeff Denton, Lee's friend and one of the house's occupants, was standing next to the actor in his bedroom when Lee was shot. He claimed he suffered post-traumatic stress. Will Frey, another party attendant, also filed suit.