Autopsy released on Zachary Hammond

The Oconee County Coroner’s Office issued a press release on the death of 19-year-old Zachary Hammond of Seneca, who died on July 26 in an officer-involved shooting in Seneca. Coroner Karl Addis states that Hammond sustained two gunshot wound to the upper left chest and collarbone. The gunshot wound to the chest was fatal; the gunshot wound to the collarbone was not a fatal wound. Addis classified his manner of death as a homicide, which is defined as an individual dieing at the hands of another, in this case a Seneca Police officer. Hammond was shot through an open driver’s door window. He was operating the vehicle at the time of the incident; the vehicle was reported to be in motion at the time of the shooting in a direction the officer felt threatened. This shooting death investigation continues to be investigated by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED). Due to the continuing investigation by SLED, the Oconee County Coroner’s Office did not disclose specific wound locations, which is customary as with other homicide incidents that occur in Oconee County in respect to on going law enforcement agency investigations. SLED will submit their findings to 10th Judicial Circuit Solicitor Chrissy Adams for review. Addis stated, “Prior to my press release with the autopsy findings on July 28, I personally met with the parents of Zachary Hammond and discussed the autopsy findings and wound locations. They were aware the manner of death would be classified as a homicide. On July 29, I again met with the parents of Mr. Hammond with their legal representation. Their attorneys did observe and examine the body of Mr. Hammond at the coroner office. I, presented details I was aware of, to the attorneys. They observed scene photos and coroner autopsy photos. The family with legal representation would seek out and have an independent autopsy performed in Greenville. I have not seen the independent autopsy report, which I understand will be released. I will not comment on the independent autopsy report. During the course of my conversations with the Hammond family and their legal representation, I referred to the death of Mr. Hammond as homicide, not murder.” The autopsy was performed on July 28 at the AnMed Medical Center at 10:30am. Dr. Brett Woodard, who is a board certified forensic pathologist, performed the autopsy. He performed the autopsy on authorization of the Oconee County Coroner’s Office. The cause of death was a gunshot wound to the chest with cardiac trauma and exsanguinations. The manner of death is classified as a homicide.