Medical examiner: Chokehold triggered Eric Garner’s death
May 15, 2019, 11:56 AM
New York City police officer Daniel Pantaleo leaves his house Monday, May 13, 2019, in Staten Island, N.Y. A long-delayed disciplinary trial began Monday for Pantaleo, accused of using a banned chokehold in the July 2014 death of Eric Garner. (AP Photo/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez)
(AP Photo/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez)
NEW YORK (AP) — A medical examiner who performed an autopsy on Eric Garner says a police officer’s chokehold set into motion “a lethal sequence of events” that led to his death five years ago.
Dr. Floriana Persechino detailed the findings in testimony Wednesday at New York Police Department Officer Daniel Pantaleo’s disciplinary trial.
Persechino says hemorrhaging in neck muscles was indicative of a chokehold that set off an asthma attack and led to his death.
She also reviewed video of the confrontation as well as security video showing Garner an hour earlier.
Garner’s mother heeded a warning from the administrative judge and left the room so she didn’t have to see autopsy photos.
Persechino also said Garner suffered from obesity and an enlarged heart — factors Pantaleo’s lawyers say caused his death.
