George Floyd’s family is taking matters into their own hands since there is a huge distrust with law enforcement.
Reported on ABC, Floyd’s family conducted an independent autopsy and their findings are different from what the Medical Examiner’s found. Famous forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Baden (most known for his involvement in the O.J Simpson trial and Jeffery Epstein), alongside Dr. Allecia Wilson conducted the private autopsy.
In the independent study, Floyd’s family found his homicide was “caused by asphyxia due to neck and back compression that led to a lack of blood flow to the brain.” Also, the independent examiners “found that weight on the back, handcuffs, and positioning were contributory factors because they impaired the ability of Floyd’s diaphragm to function.” The two experts and Floyd’s family concluded “the combined effects of Mr. Floyd being restrained by the police, his underlying health conditions and any potential intoxicants in his system likely contributed to his death,” TMZ reports.
The initial medical exam found “no physical findings that support a diagnosis of traumatic asphyxia or strangulation.” They also put blame on Floyd’s preexisting health condition of coronary artery disease and hypertensive heart disease.
Floyd’s family attorney, Ben Crump, “reject the notion from the Minneapolis Medical Examiner that the knee from the police officer on George’s neck for almost nine minutes was not the proximate cause of his death.” The ex-cop who had his knee pinned on Floyd, Derek Chauvin has been charged with third-degree murder but many feel that’s not enough.
Take a look Floyd’s family speaking about the autopsy at a news conference today (June 1):