Well, death by say, strangulation does leave evidence that would be found by the ME.
Oh I thought you knew. There are multiple witnesses and video of the cop with his knee on the guys neck for 8 minutes while Flloyd is literally begging for his life. Ok technically he only begged for ~6 minutes, he was quiet for the last 2. (he died)
Yeah but there's also police body cam video (which was released recently) where Floyd begged for his life the moment he saw the police officer (a long time before he was on the ground). He also complained about not being able to breathe several times before he was put on the ground and restrained, he essentially cried wolf.
The technique Chauvin used was the proper protocol according to the training the Minneapolis PD give their officers. If Floyd was able to talk for an extended period of time and complained about being unable to breathe while in several positions (including sitting in the patrol car), and if Chauvin was taught his method of restraint was appropriate, then he wouldn't have been inclined to believe that he was strangling Floyd.
The ME didn't find evidence of asphyxiation, so strangulation couldn't have occurred. While they note that neck compression occurred (which is clear from the video), it's really up to the jury to decide if Floyd's death was a result of Chauvin's knee, or the drug OD.
Symptoms of a Fentanyl overdose include:
- Difficulty thinking, talking, or walking
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Trouble breathing (respiratory rate very slow, irregular, or altogether stopped).
- Unresponsive loss of consciousness.
I think it's important for all the facts to come out. If Chauvin really did kill Floyd with his restraint method, then we need to know so it can be banned everywhere to avoid another horrific loss of life. If, on the other hand, Floyd was just another victim of the opioid crisis and Chauvin didn't kill him, then I think the way the media let this explode is honestly pretty reprehensible...