NEED TO KNOW
- Independent preliminary autopsy findings have revealed further details about Renee Nicole Good’s death
- The 37-year-old mother of three was found with four apparent gunshot wounds, the report obtained by PEOPLE stated
- Good died after being fatally shot by an ICE agent on the morning of Jan. 7
On a cold January day in Minnesota, Renee Nicole Good‘s life ended in a burst of violence that her family says demands a full public reckoning. As grief gives way to a determined search for truth, new details are emerging that deepen the urgency around her death — and raise questions that remain unanswered for now.
Good was found inside her car with four apparent gunshot wounds on Jan. 7. The 37-year-old mother of three had just dropped her 6-year-old child off at school before a fatal encounter with federal immigration agent Jonathan Ross, PEOPLE previously reported. He joined ICE in 2015 and was serving in 2025 as a firearms instructor and member of the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force.
Renee Nicole (left) and Becca Good (right).
Good was driving home in her maroon Honda Pilot with her committed partner, Becca Good, when they came upon a group of ICE agents. According to a Minneapolis police and fire department’s incident report obtained by PEOPLE, Good was discovered unresponsive in her car with blood on her face and torso at around 9:42 a.m. local time on the morning of her death.
The Chicago-based law firm Romanucci & Blandin — which in 2021 secured the George Floyd family a $27 million civil settlement with the City of Minneapolis and now represents Good’s family — has begun releasing information from its private investigation into Good’s killing, including preliminary findings from an independent autopsy commissioned at the family’s request.
According to the firm, the decision to make these details public reflects “continued transparency with the public on this tragedy,” a promise they say is central to their advocacy for Good and her loved ones.
The independent autopsy was conducted by what the firm describes as a highly respected and credentialed medical pathologist. Its preliminary conclusions paint a stark and unsettling picture of Good’s final moments.
The pathologist identified three clear gunshot wound paths to Good’s body. One bullet struck her left forearm, resulting in soft tissue hemorrhage. Another traveled through her right breast, but did not penetrate any major organs. The third gunshot wound proved fatal, as it entered the left side of her head near the temple and exited the right side of her head.
According to the findings, the gunshot wounds to the breast and left forearm were not immediately life-threatening. In addition to these injuries, the pathologist noted a fourth wound, described as a graze wound consistent with a firearm injury, but with no penetration.
The results of the Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office autopsy have not yet been released to Good’s family or their legal team.
A poster featuring Renee Good’s image on Jan. 8, 2026.
For the attorneys representing the family, the release of this information is not just about medical conclusions; it’s about accountability. Lead attorney Antonio M. Romanucci says the investigation is far from over, but he expresses confidence in where the evidence is leading.
“We believe the evidence we are gathering and will continue to gather in our investigation will suffice to prove our case,” Romanucci’s statement read. “The video evidence depicting the events of January 7, 2026, is clear, particularly when viewed through the standards of reasonable policing and totality of circumstances. Additionally, our legal team will continue its unwavering and proactive advocacy for Renee’s life and her family.”
Ross remained on the scene after shooting Good. About 15 minutes later, he was taken to a federal building. A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security told PEOPLE on Jan. 14 that Ross was taken to the hospital that day and suffered internal bleeding in his torso, but declined to answer further questions about the incident. Regarding Ross’s condition, a Minneapolis FBI representative said, “No further information is available for release at this time in accordance with DOJ policy.”
Ross hasn’t been accused of a crime. However, many use-of-force experts have criticized his actions. “In order to use deadly force, your life or someone else’s life must be in immediate danger,” said Chris Burbank, a former Salt Lake City police chief who doesn’t believe Good posed any such risk to Ross.
Federal officials said the FBI would handle the inquiry, contending that Minnesota authorities have no jurisdiction in the matter. In response, State Attorney General Keith Ellison called for “a fair, transparent investigation of all of the facts.”
Despite the Trump administration’s claims that Good was a “domestic terrorist” who deliberately sought to kill ICE agents with her car, her mother Donna and father Tim Ganger, along with Good’s four siblings, told PEOPLE Good “was a beautiful light of our family and brought joy to anyone she met. She was relentlessly hopeful and optimistic which was contagious. We all already miss her more than words could ever express.”
Vigil for Renee Good in January 2026.
Even as protests, vigils and political debate continue, just around the corner from where Renee was killed, her partner Becca is trying to pick up the pieces. As investigators continue their work and more evidence comes to light, her family insists that Renee’s life, and the truth about how it ended, will not fade quietly from public view.
In a statement, Becca spoke not only of loss, but of what comes next. “I am now left to raise our son and to continue teaching him, as Renee believed, that there are people building a better world for him,” she said.
Renee Good’s Former Father-in-Law Comments on ICE Shooting Incident: “Hard Situation All Around”
Timmy Macklin, Renee Good’s former father-in-law, has spoken out about the tragic incident involving Good’s fatal shooting by an ICE agent in Minneapolis on January 7, 2026. The shooting has sparked national outrage, protests, and debates over the use of force by federal agents, especially in high-tension situations involving the immigrant community.
Timmy Macklin, while deeply affected by his daughter-in-law’s death, refrained from placing blame on any single party, instead emphasizing the complexity of the situation.
In an emotional interview with CNN, Macklin stated, “I don’t blame ICE. I don’t blame [Good’s wife] Rebecca. I don’t blame Renee.” He acknowledged the unfortunate sequence of events, expressing his belief that everyone involved made “bad choices” under pressure. According to Macklin, he believed that, had they all been “walking in the spirit of God,” the situation might have been avoided entirely.
His focus on spiritual reflection is evident in his words as he tries to make sense of a tragic incident that left his family heartbroken.
“I just wish that, you know, if we’re walking in the spirit of God, I don’t think she would have been there. That’s the way I look at it,” Macklin explained, seeking peace in the midst of profound grief.
Renee’s Background and Family – Renee Good, 37, was a mother of three and a beloved figure in her community. She had been married to Timmy’s son, who tragically passed away in 2023. The couple shared a six-year-old son, who is now left without both parents. Macklin fondly remembered his late daughter-in-law, describing her as “an amazing person” and a “good mother” who was “full of life.”
“She was a loving person,” he continued. “She took care of everybody she came across, and especially her kids. She had a big heart.” His comments reflect how deeply Renee’s loss has impacted him, while also showing his desire to view the situation through a lens of forgiveness and understanding, despite the pain.
Macklin’s statement represents not only his personal view but also a reflection of the divide that has emerged in the wake of Good’s death.
While many members of the public have been vocal about their anger and disbelief at the shooting, Macklin’s approach highlights an underlying effort to avoid quick judgments and to offer space for reconciliation, even in a moment of tragedy.
The Events Leading to the Shooting – The fatal incident occurred on January 7, 2026, when Renee Good, a mother of three, found herself in a confrontation with ICE agents in a residential area in Minneapolis.
According to law enforcement, Good’s vehicle was involved in an altercation with an officer after she allegedly blocked traffic, leading to a tense standoff.
The situation escalated when Good, described as a loving and compassionate woman, allegedly drove her vehicle toward the officer. The ICE agent, fearing for his safety, opened fire, striking Good in the head.
Despite her injuries, Good was able to continue driving before crashing. The agent involved later stated that he feared for his life, which was the basis for the self-defense argument.
However, many activists and members of Good’s community question the use of deadly force in this instance, especially since other vehicles were able to pass by without incident.
Publicly available video footage from bystanders has shown conflicting perspectives on the situation, with many expressing doubts about whether the officer’s actions were justified.
Macklin’s Perspective – Despite hearing multiple conflicting narratives about the shooting, Macklin remained calm in his evaluation of the situation. “I just think we make bad choices, and that’s the problem.
There is so much chaos in the whole world today,” he said. “We need to turn to God and walk in the spirit of God and let him lead us and guide us.”
When pressed by CNN anchor Erin Burnett on whether he believed the shooting was justified, Macklin responded that he did not want to blame anyone directly.
He acknowledged the complexity of the scenario, including the tension on both sides, and pointed out how difficult it is to predict how someone would react in a similar situation.
Witness and Surveillance Footage – Witnesses and surveillance footage of the event have raised concerns. Several videos captured by bystanders have shown Good’s car moving away from the scene just before the shots were fired.
The footage appears to show Good attempting to drive away from the situation, suggesting she may not have been intending to hit the officer.
However, the officer’s account, which has been defended by Homeland Security and other federal agencies, maintains that Good’s actions were threatening, and thus, the officer was forced to act in self-defense.
These diverging accounts have only deepened the division surrounding the case, with community members, legal experts, and lawmakers all questioning the decision to use deadly force.
Political Reactions – The shooting has also garnered political reactions from lawmakers and public figures. Minnesota state lawmakers have voiced their concerns, calling for investigations into ICE’s actions and the methods used by the agency in everyday operations.
The controversy has sparked protests in Minneapolis and beyond, with many decrying the increased militarization of law enforcement agencies and the growing tension surrounding immigration policies.
Federal Response – The Trump administration, through various officials, has publicly defended the actions of ICE agents involved in the shooting. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem referred to the incident as “an act of self-defense” and dismissed calls for further inquiry into the matter.
Noem has referred to those calling for justice as “agitators” and framed the shooting as an unfortunate but necessary result of ICE’s ongoing operations.
Former President Donald Trump echoed this sentiment on social media, framing the protests as the work of “anarchists and professional agitators” and pledging to take a hardline stance against those disrupting ICE operations. His words further fueled the national debate on immigration enforcement and its consequences.
Family’s Call for Justice – While Macklin took a more neutral stance, Renee’s family has been unwavering in their demand for justice.
They have called for a full investigation into the circumstances of her death, as well as greater transparency from ICE. Good’s mother, Donna Ganger, has described her daughter as a deeply compassionate person who would never intentionally harm anyone, let alone an officer.
“She was one of the kindest people I’ve ever known,” Ganger said in an interview with the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. “This was a misunderstanding, and it should never have ended like this.”
The Ongoing Investigation and Future Steps – As the investigation continues, many unanswered questions remain, particularly regarding the precise events leading up to the shooting and the actions of the ICE agent.
The family is still waiting for a full investigation and is determined to see accountability in this case.
In the meantime, the incident has sparked continued protests in Minneapolis, with demonstrators demanding an end to ICE operations in the state.
Many of these protests are organized by immigrant rights groups and community activists who view the killing as another example of ICE’s heavy-handed tactics in immigrant communities.
The case has also raised awareness about the increasing militarization of law enforcement agencies, particularly ICE, and the growing concerns about human rights violations in immigration enforcement.
The shooting has fueled calls for greater oversight of ICE’s actions and for reforms in how federal agencies interact with local communities.
A Legacy of Love and Loss – Renee’s family has vowed to honor her memory by continuing to fight for justice and advocating for changes to the immigration system.
They are determined that her death will not be in vain and that her story will inspire others to stand up against injustice and demand accountability from law enforcement agencies.
Despite the heartbreaking loss, they are holding on to the love and memories they shared with Renee. Her family and the community continue to mourn, but they are united in their determination to seek justice for the life lost too soon and to work toward a future where such tragic incidents no longer occur.
Leaked: Renee Good’s Last Call to Her Mother After Being Shot Was a Weak Cry for Help, and She Uttered Five Words That Caused Pain Across America.H89
Leaked: Renee Good’s Last Call to Her Mother After Being Shot Was a Weak Cry for Help, and She Uttered Five Words That Caused Pain Across America
The tragic death of Renee Nicole Good, 37, who was fatally shot by an ICE agent on January 7, 2026, has sent shockwaves through the nation, sparking mass protests and igniting fierce debates over law enforcement tactics.
