IBERIA
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Aug 21, 2014 5:11 PM by KATC
Autopsy report: Victor White III shot in the chest, not back
Victor White III, the New Iberia man who State Police said shot and killed himself in March while in custody in the backseat of a sheriff's car, was shot in the chest, according to a report from the Iberia Parish Coroner's Office.
The Iberia Parish Coroner's Office has released only the first page of the autopsy report, which contradicts statements initially made by State Police who said White shot himself in the back while handcuffed in the back of a sheriff's unit.
According to the autopsy, the bullet entered White's chest, then perforated his left lung and heart before exiting his armpit area and lacerating his upper arm.
The report rules White's death a suicide.
State Police issued a release in March that said deputies were called to investigate a fight in the 300 block of Lewis Street and found White was allegedly in possession of narcotics. Deputies handcuffed White and took him to the Sheriff's Office for processing, but said White refused to exit the car when they arrived. State Police also said in their initial report that while the deputy was requesting assistance, White produced a handgun and shot himself once in the back.
White was later pronounced dead at a hospital.
Lt. Anthony Green, the Iberia Parish Sheriff's Office spokesman at the time of the shooting, said protocol calls for deputies to check suspects for weapons before they are placed into a police unit.
State Police Master Trooper Brooks David said the investigation is still open. He also told us that troopers did originially believe the gunshot's entrance wound came from the back, however following the coroner's investigation, it was determined the entrance wound was from the front.
David said State Police are still waiting on evidence in the case. He said he cannot comment further on the active investigation.
Check back with KATC for updates as this story develops.

Share on facebookShare on twitterShare on emailShare on printMore Sharing Services22
Aug 21, 2014 5:11 PM by KATC
Autopsy report: Victor White III shot in the chest, not back
Victor White III, the New Iberia man who State Police said shot and killed himself in March while in custody in the backseat of a sheriff's car, was shot in the chest, according to a report from the Iberia Parish Coroner's Office.
The Iberia Parish Coroner's Office has released only the first page of the autopsy report, which contradicts statements initially made by State Police who said White shot himself in the back while handcuffed in the back of a sheriff's unit.
According to the autopsy, the bullet entered White's chest, then perforated his left lung and heart before exiting his armpit area and lacerating his upper arm.
The report rules White's death a suicide.
State Police issued a release in March that said deputies were called to investigate a fight in the 300 block of Lewis Street and found White was allegedly in possession of narcotics. Deputies handcuffed White and took him to the Sheriff's Office for processing, but said White refused to exit the car when they arrived. State Police also said in their initial report that while the deputy was requesting assistance, White produced a handgun and shot himself once in the back.
White was later pronounced dead at a hospital.
Lt. Anthony Green, the Iberia Parish Sheriff's Office spokesman at the time of the shooting, said protocol calls for deputies to check suspects for weapons before they are placed into a police unit.
State Police Master Trooper Brooks David said the investigation is still open. He also told us that troopers did originially believe the gunshot's entrance wound came from the back, however following the coroner's investigation, it was determined the entrance wound was from the front.
David said State Police are still waiting on evidence in the case. He said he cannot comment further on the active investigation.
Check back with KATC for updates as this story develops.