Justice Triumph : Chauvin is Charged With Second-Degree Murder, Third-Degree Murder And Manslaughter

    Derek Chauvin trial live: George Floyd died from low oxygen due to officers’ restraint, forensic pathologist says

    Dr. Andrew Baker testified that Floyd’s existing and underlying heart disease was a contributing cause of his death; it was evidenced by a heart that “weighed more than it should” and coronary arteries that were significantly narrowed.

    “The law enforcement subdual and neck compression is just more than Mr. Floyd could take by virtue of his heart conditions,” Baker said. 

    In his autopsy report last year, Baker said Floyd’s heart and lungs stopped amid “law enforcement subdual, restraint and neck compression,” but he did not use the word “asphyxia,” or oxygen loss. He ruled the death a homicide.

    “This is a death where both heart and lungs stop working,”said Dr. Lindsey Thomas, a former forensic pathologist for the county who trained Baker. “The point is it’s due to law enforcement subdual, restraint and compression.”

    “The law enforcement subdual and neck compression is just more than Mr. Floyd could take by virtue of his heart conditions,” Baker said. 

    “This is a death where both heart and lungs stop working,”said Dr. Lindsey Thomas, a former forensic pathologist for the county who trained Baker. “The point is it’s due to law enforcement subdual, restraint and compression.”

    Chauvin is charged with second-degree murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter in Floyd’s death.

    Where things stand: This week, the prosecution has called experts and police officials to testify about proper use of force and medical professionals to testify about how Floyd died. Prosecutors have also asked experts to testify about the role of drugs found in Floyd’s system, trying to head off the defense’s argument that drugs played a key role in his death. The defense has highlighted the effect meth and fentanyl may have on the heart and lungs. The defense has also argued the crowd of bystanders gathered near the scene distracted and threatened the officers, preventing them from giving care to Floyd and meriting additional force.