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.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- The New York Times: Maryland Police Custody Autopsies Audit
- Wikipedia: General Information
- CBS News: Maryland Medical Examiner Homicide Audit
- Google Search: Police Custody Deaths
- The Washington Post: Maryland Medical Examiner Audit
- Google Scholar: Autopsy Report Police Custody
- The Baltimore Banner: Audit Finds Police Involved Deaths
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Medical Examiner
- AP News: Maryland Autopsy Homicides
- Google News: Maryland Police Restraint Deaths
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
