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Coroner: Teen killed by police in Illinois shot in back

An autopsy has revealed that a teenager who was killed by police in Illinois over the weekend was shot twice in the back.

In a news release, the Lake County Coroner's Office says one bullet struck 17-year-old Justus Howell in the left back and penetrated his heart, spleen and liver. Another bullet struck him on the right side of his back. The release says toxicology results are pending.

Howell was shot by Zion police on Saturday afternoon. Police say officers responding to a call about an altercation began chasing a male when he ran from the scene. They say that after the teen was shot, officers recovered a handgun. 

The Zion police chief didn't return calls Monday seeking comment about the autopsy results.

 

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