On Wednesday, two officers said Kennedy fired first, before they opened fire.

"I feel the percussion, the blast of the gun brush past the left side of my face. At this point, the suspect, I mean, I'm scared to death for my life and the lives of the officers. He had immediately placed myself, the officers and anybody who happened to be in the immediate area in imminent danger," said Office Raymond Sessions.

The board's findings are considered recommendations. The final decision on whether the shootings were within department guidelines is up to the sheriff.