Eric Garner’s Death Ruled a Homicide

By Aura Bogado Aug 01, 2014

New York City’s medical examiner has ruled Eric Garner’s death a homicide. Garner was placed in a chokehold by NYPD officers during an arrest two weeks ago that was caught on video; in it, Garner is clearly heard saying that he’s unable to breathe. Chokeholds are against the police department’s policy, but remain common practice. 

According to NBC New York, the medical examiner concluded that NYPD officers’ actions caused Garner’s death:

The medical examiner said compression of the neck and chest, along with Garner’s positioning on the ground while being restrained by police during the July 17 stop on Staten Island, caused his death.

Garner’s health also played contributing factors.

The NYPD has yet to respond to the medical examiner’s conclusion. The Department of Justice has been keeping an eye on the case.