BREAKING: A deeply emotional statement has emerged from Renee Good’s family, as her mother speaks out with a heartfelt message about what truly happened.
The passing of the 37-year-old mother of three following an encounter involving a federal immigration officer has sparked widespread grief and concern. As the family mourns, their legal team has confirmed the launch of a civil investigation to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident. The gradual release of these personal details is drawing intense public attention and emotional response. This moment marks a significant turning point in how the case is being viewed and discussed nationwide.
The family of Renee Good, a 37-year-old Minneapolis woman and mother of three who was killed in a shooting involving a federal immigration enforcement officer on January 7, is grieving her loss while pursuing legal action to uncover the full truth surrounding her death. This week, the family confirmed that their legal representatives have formally initiated a civil investigation, signaling their determination to seek accountability and transparency in a case that has drawn national attention.
In a statement shared with ABC News on Wednesday, Good’s parents, Tim and Donna Ganger, along with her four siblings, spoke openly about the depth of their loss. They described the pain of losing Renee as something beyond words and expressed heartfelt gratitude to the many community members who have reached out with messages of sympathy and support. Renee was the mother of three children, aged 15, 12, and 6, and her family emphasized that her absence has left a profound void not only in their own lives but also in the lives of her children.
The family thanked the public for the compassion they have received, noting that the outpouring of kindness reflects the very qualities Renee embodied throughout her life. In their statement, they said the care and solidarity shown to them mirrors the way Renee treated others, describing her as someone who consistently gave warmth, generosity, and empathy to everyone she encountered. They recalled her as a “beautiful light” whose presence brought joy, adding that she was affectionately known within the family as “Nae Nae.”
As the family mourns, the circumstances surrounding Good’s death remain deeply contested. The Department of Homeland Security has asserted that Renee attempted to use her vehicle to run over law enforcement officers, characterizing the incident as an act of domestic terrorism. That narrative, however, has been challenged by city leaders in Minneapolis, who have publicly questioned and condemned the actions of the officer involved in the shooting.
Further scrutiny intensified after ABC News conducted an analysis of authenticated video footage, including newly surfaced material released on January 9. According to that review, just over one second before the first of three shots was fired, Renee could be seen turning her steering wheel to the right, away from the officer who ultimately shot her. This detail has fueled further debate over whether the use of deadly force was justified.
The officer who fired the shots, Jonathan Ross, reportedly suffered internal bleeding during the incident, according to multiple U.S. officials familiar with his medical condition. However, authorities have not provided clear or comprehensive information regarding the severity of his injuries, leaving questions unanswered.
In the days following Renee’s death, memorials began appearing near the site of the shooting, with community members gathering to honor her life. Her killing has also sparked widespread protests across Minneapolis, as advocates and activists have called for the U.S. Department of Justice to open a civil rights investigation into the case. Demonstrators argue that the circumstances warrant independent federal oversight to ensure accountability.
Despite these calls, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche stated on Tuesday that there is currently no basis for a criminal civil rights investigation. That announcement has only intensified frustration among activists, local leaders, and members of Renee’s family, who believe critical questions remain unresolved.
The investigation into Renee Good’s death is being led by the FBI, but state and local officials have voiced concerns about a lack of transparency. According to those officials, federal investigators have been slow to share information, creating tension and uncertainty around the scope and direction of the inquiry.
Adding to the controversy, multiple officials told ABC News that at least six federal prosecutors in Minneapolis have resigned in recent weeks. These resignations reportedly stem from concerns that the Department of Justice is prioritizing an examination of Renee Good’s alleged connections to groups protesting immigration enforcement, rather than focusing on the actions of the officer who shot her.
Renee’s family is being represented by the law firm Romanucci & Blandin, which announced earlier this week that it has launched an independent civil investigation into her death. In a statement provided to ABC News, the firm said the family is calling for calm, peace, and transparency as they search for answers. The family has emphasized that their pursuit of justice is not rooted in anger, but in a desire to understand how and why Renee lost her life and to ensure that similar tragedies can be prevented in the future.
As the investigation continues, Renee Good’s loved ones remain focused on honoring her memory while demanding clarity and accountability. For them, the legal process is not only about justice but about preserving the legacy of a woman they say lived her life defined by compassion, strength, and care for others.
