Shocking Audit Reveals Misclassification of Deaths in Police Custody

A courtroom represents the fight for justice in misclassified police custody deaths.

News Summary

An extensive audit in Maryland has revealed alarming findings about the misclassification of deaths in police custody, identifying at least 36 cases that should have been classified as homicides. The investigation highlights serious concerns about racial bias and inadequate documentation within the medical examiners’ office. This revelation comes in response to controversial statements made during a high-profile trial and prompts calls for reform in investigative procedures associated with deaths in restraint. With a hotline for affected families established, the hope is to bring attention to systemic issues in the justice system.

Shocking Audit Uncovers Misclassification of Deaths in Police Custody

A recent audit in Maryland has revealed some alarming findings regarding the medical examiners’ office. Over the past two decades, it turns out that **_dozens of deaths that occurred while individuals were in police custody_** were not classified correctly. This audit, which spans an impressive 17-year timeframe and covers the years up until 2019, indicates that at least **_36 cases should have been classified as homicides_** rather than being mislabeled as accidental or even due to natural causes.

Unpacking the Audit

This extensive audit, clocking in at **_70 pages_**, brings to light serious concerns regarding racial and pro-police bias within the medical examiner’s office. It was revealed that these medical professionals were significantly less likely to declare a death a homicide if the deceased was **_Black_** or if they had been restrained by police. This troubling data raises eyebrows about the integrity of death classifications and how systemic biases can influence these critical decisions.

What Sparked This Investigation?

The audit’s initiation was notably linked to Dr. David R. Fowler’s testimony during the Derek Chauvin trial. He controversially claimed that George Floyd’s tragic death was due to pre-existing heart conditions rather than a homicide, which prompted a closer look into how these cases were being handled. Out of 87 cases screened in the audit, a staggering **_42 were initially attributed to the now-discredited diagnosis of “excited delirium”_**, leaving only one case originally classified as a homicide.

Documenting the Undocumented

The audit uncovered some significant lapses regarding the proper documentation of autopsy procedures by the pathologists’ office. Poor record-keeping and a failure to recognize restraint during arrests as a contributing factor in these deaths were among the findings. This can lead to a profound misunderstanding of the circumstances surrounding each death, affecting families seeking answers and justice.

What Comes Next?

As a response to the findings, Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown has emphasized the importance of reform in this critical area. While the results of the audit won’t automatically lead to the reclassification of the deaths or immediate criminal charges, it does aim to improve the rigor and integrity of future investigations.

Some recommendations arising from the audit include enhancing **_training for law enforcement on appropriate restraint techniques_** and the establishment of more standardized procedures to investigate deaths related to restraint. There’s even a proposed elimination of the term “excited delirium” from medical diagnoses. These changes might not happen overnight, but they mark the beginning of a pivotal shift in how these cases could be examined going forward.

Helping Families Seek Answers

A hotline has also been set up, allowing family members of the deceased involved in the identified cases to connect directly with the Attorney General’s office. This step is aimed at providing support for those left with questions and sorrow due to these misclassifications.

Looking Ahead

Governor Wes Moore expressed his deep concern over the audit’s findings and has called for more investigation into potential criminal culpability tied to the cases that were reclassified. The overarching hope is that this audit will not only lead to improvement within Maryland but will also encourage similar reviews in other states across the nation, shining a light on systemic issues that impact both victims’ families and law enforcement.

The audit highlights critical aspects of implicit biases embedded within the justice system, making it clear that there is much work to be done in creating a fair and just approach to evaluating deaths in custody. With these important discussions and changes on the horizon, it’s a pivotal moment not just for Maryland, but potentially for the entire country.