An independent autopsy has found that George Floyd was killed by “asphyxia due to neck and back compression” and the manner was homicide. The independent autopsy contradicts the autopsy from the Hennepin County Medical Examiner. While their autopsy did rule that Floyd’s death was a homicide, their results also indicated heart disease, methamphetamine use and fentanyl intoxication played a part in his death.
“Essentially, George died because he needed a breath. He needed a breath of air,” Floyd’s attorney Benjamin Crump said.
“Beyond question, he would be alive today if not for the pressure applied to his neck by fired officer Derek Chauvin and the strain on his body from the two additional officers kneeling him in his back,” he continued.
Independent medical examiners determined #GeorgeFloyd’s death was due to asphyxia from sustained forceful pressure. Full statement: pic.twitter.com/cIbWu8ssWX
— Benjamin Crump, Esq. (@AttorneyCrump) June 1, 2020
Floyd was killed Monday, May 25, 2020 during an encounter with police. Floyd was accused of purchasing items from a local corner store with a counterfeit bill. When police arrived, Floyd was handcuffed, placed in a police vehicle and then taken out. He was then placed on the ground face first as former officer Derek Chauvin pressed his knee against Floyd’s neck for more than eight minutes. Floyd was rendered unconscious and died shortly thereafter.
Chauvin has been charged with third degree murder and second degree manslaughter. If convicted, he faces up to 35 years in prison. The other three officers who were present during the incident have not been arrested or charged.
