Sixteen Los Angeles Police Department Chokehold Deaths
1975-1982
Sixteen LAPD Chokehold Deaths
CARL MICHAEL MIDDLETON FRANCIS FAIRBANKS BOOKER T. FORD EDWARD D. DAILEY ALVIN L. WHITEHEAD DAVID R. ADKINS ROBERT CAMERON JAMES WRIGHT WESLEY ACREE LARRY MORRIS LUEL MARSHALL CHARLES J. HILL ROBERT COUSINS ARTHUR W. MCNEIL JAMES T. MINCEY, JR. DONALD R. WILSON (1) CARL MICHAEL MIDDLETON On or about
May 27, 1975, Carl Michael Middleton ("Middleton") was a 25-year-old black
male upon whom, during a struggle, Los Angeles police officers applied
a "bar arm" hold for an estimated five to six seconds. Approximately one
to two minutes later, a "bar arm" hold was applied for an estimated fifteen
to twenty seconds. A few minutes later, a "bar arm" hold was applied for
an estimated 25 seconds. A few minutes later, in a continuation of the
struggle, another "bar arm" hold was applied for an estimated 25 to 30
seconds. Middleton was placed in a police vehicle and was driven towards
77th Street police station, 1,3 miles distant from the scene of the incident
with Middleton. En route to and one-half block from 77th Street station,
a police officer, Cochran, felt for but was unable to detect Middleton's
pulse. Cochran told the driver, Officer Hayden he was unable to detect
Middleton's pulse, Haden drove the police vehicle into the rear parking
area of 77th Street station and stopped. Cochran told Los Angeles Police
Sergeant Hanf that he, Cochran, believed Middleton was dead. Hayden opened
the right rear door of the police vehicle and Middleton slumped into the
door opening, Sergeant Hanf felt for but was unable to detect Middelton's
pulse. Sergeant Hanf observed that Middleton's left pupil was dilated and
un-reactive to light. Sergeant Hanf told Cochran and Hayden to transport
Middleton to Morningside Hospital, a distance of 2.7 miles, Code 3 (emergency
lights and siren). Cochran and Haden transported Middleton to Morningside
Hospital Code 3, Middleton was pronounced dead on arrival at Morningside
Hospital by Dr. M. Ward at 5:10 a.m., May 27, 1975. On May 27, 1975, no
Los Angeles police officer rendered cardiopulmonary rescuscitation to Middleton.
On May 27, 1975 at 10:00 a.m. Deputy Los Angeles County Medical Examiner
Joseph H. Choi performed an autopsy dn Middleton's body (Coroner's Case
No. 756505). Dr. Choi ascribed Middleton's death to: (a) asphyxiation;
due to or as a consequence of (b) manual compression of neck. The Report
states that Dr. Choi described certain anatomic findings with respect to
Middleton's body to include, but not be limited to: (a) fractured cricoid
cartilage and a crushed thyroid cartilage with hemorrhage to the surrounding
tissues (the injuries were fatal) and (b) petechiae to both lower portions
of the eyes and subepicardial petechiae, which is compatible with strangulation,
Toxological tests showed no evidence of narcotics or alcohol or any other
drugs in Middleton's body; no test was made for PCP. On or about May 27,
1975, LAPD Robbery-Homicide Division transmitted a confidential report
(DR 15-544-953) to the Chief of Police and City Attorney which included
the above facts relating to Middleton's death.
Table of Deaths
(2) FRANCIS FAIRBANKS On August 10, 1975,
Francis Edmund Fairbanks ("Fairbanks") was a 21-year-old caucasian male,
upon whom, during a struggle, a Los Angeles police officer applied a "bar
arm" hold for 4 seconds, After application of the "bar arm" hold, Fairbanks'
hands were cuffed behind him, After Fairbanks' hands were cuffed, the officer
checked for but was unable to detect Fairbanks' pulse. Paramedics pronounced
Fairbanks dead at the scene 0017 hours, August 10, 1975, On August 10,
1975 at 12:30 p.m.,, Deputy Los Angeles County Medical Examiner Robert
Bucklin performed an autopsy on Fairbanks' body (Coroner's Case No. 75-9571.),
Dr. Bucklin ascribed Fairbanks' death to: (a) acute cardiorespiratory arrest
due to or as a consequence of (b) compression of the neck. Another significant
condition was "Convulsive Disorder, Probably Drug Induced" Dr. Bucklin
described certain anatomic findings with respect to Fairbanks' body to
include, but not limited to, the following: (a) Pulmonary edema and congestion;
(b) Perilaryngeal hemorrhage; and (c) Mucosal hemorrhage of left vocal
cord and larynx. Toxological tests showed no evidence of narcotics or alcohol
or any other drugs in Fairbanks' body, Within a few weeks of Fairbanks'
death, LAPD Robbery-Homicide Division transmitted a confidential report
(DR 75-652-646) to the Chief of Police and City Attorney which included
the above facts relating to Fairbanks' death.
Table of Deaths
(3) BOOKER T. FORD On November 4, 1975,
Booker T. Ford. ("Ford") was a 28-year-old black male, upon whom, during
a struggle, a Los Angeles Police applied a "bar arm" hold for an unknown
amount of time, rendering Ford unconscious. Also present when Ford was
rendered unconscious were three other Los Angeles Police Officers. One
officer observed that Ford's eyes were open, that his pupils were non-response
to light, and that Ford's pulse could not be detected. On November 4, 1975,
at 3:12 a.m., the officer radioed for an ambulance--to come to the scene.
An ambulance arrived at the scene at 3:16 am. Ford was pronounced dead
at the scene at 3:23 a.m, On November 4, 1975, no Los Angeles police officer
rendered cardiopulmonary resuscitation to Ford, On November 4, 1975, at
8:30 a.m, Deputy Los Angeles County Medical Examiner Robert Bucklin performed
an autopsy on Ford's body (Coroner's Case No. 75-13320). Dr. Bucklin ascribed
Ford's death to (a) acute cardiorespiratory arrest, due to or as a consequence
of (b) compression of the neck. Another significant condition was "acute
heroin-morphine intoxication." Toxological tests on Ford's body showed
.04% alcohol in the blood and morphine in the blood and urine. On or about
November 19, 1975, LAPD Robbery-Homicide Division transmitted a confidential
report (DR 75-687-658) to the Chief of Police and City Attorney which included
the above facts relating to Ford's death.
Table of Deaths
(4) EDWARD D. DAILEY On October 5, 1976,
Edward D. Dailey ("Dailey") was a 19-year-old black male, upon whom, during
a struggle, a Los Angeles police officer applied a "bar arm" hold for approximately
10 seconds, and, during a subsequent struggle, another "bar arm" hold for
approximately five seconds, Thereafter, officers observed that Dailey was
not breathing. Police officers checked for but could not detect Dailey's
carotid pulse. At 11:37 p.m., a police officer radioed for an ambulance
to respond to the scene. An ambulance arrived at the scene and transported
Dailey to Daniel Freeman Hospital. Dailey was pronounced dead at Daniel
Freeman Hospital by Doctor Barrett at 30 minutes past midnight, October
6, 1976, On October 6, 1976, Deputy Los Angeles Medical Examiner Joseph
H. Choi performed an autopsy on Dailey's body (Coroner's Case No. 76-12099)
Dr. Choi ascribed Dailey's death to (a) asphyxiation due to or as a consequence
of (b) neck restraint procedure for abnormal behavior associated with phencyclidine
use. Another significant condition was "Aspiration of vomitus" and "Sickle
cell disorder." Dr. Choi described certain anatomic findings with respect
to Dailey's body to include, but not limited to: (a) acute passive congestion
of visceral organs; (b) aspiration of vomitus; and (c) petechial hemorrhage
in conjunctiva of eyes. On or about November 2, 1,076, LAPD Robbery-Homicide
Division transmitted a confidential report (DR 76-705183) to the Chief
of Police and City Attorney which included the above facts relating to
Dailey's-death.
Table of Deaths
(5) ALVIN L. WHITEHEAD On February 1, 1978,
Alv in L. Whitehead ("Whitehead") was a 37-year-old black male, upon whom,
during a struggle, (a) a Los Angeles Police applied a "bar arm" hold for
approximately 15 to 20 seconds, whereafter the officer heard a "snap" or
"crack" emanate from Whitehead's neck area, and (b) another Los Angeles
Police applied a "bar am" hold for approximately 30 seconds, After application
of the "bar arm" holds, Whitehead was transported by LAPD officers to Jail
Division at Parker Center, the main headquarters of the Los Angeles Police
Department, arriving at 1:04 p.m. At 1:08 p.m., jail physician Dr. Kade
checked Whitehead but was unable to detect a pulse or heartbeat. Dr. Kade
began to give Whitehead cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Whitehead was pronounced
dead at Parker Center by Dr. Kade at 1:20 p.m. On February 1, 1978, no
Los Angeles police officer rendered cardiopulmonary resuscitation to Whitehead.
On February 2, 1978, at 12:20 p.m., Deputy Los Angeles Medical Examiner
Manual R. Breton performed an autopsy on Whitehead's body (Coroner's Case
No, 78-01594). Dr, Breton ascribed Whitehead's death to fracture, cervical
spine with crush injury to spinal cord, Dr. Breton described certain anatomic
findings with respect to Whitehead's body to include, but not limited to:
(a) Fresh hemorrhages soft tissue of left side of neck; (b) Fresh hemorrhage,
anterior longitudinal ligament; (c) Laceration, posterior longitudinal
ligament; (d) Fractures with abnormal mobility of the cervical spine; (e)
Epidural hemorrhage; (f) Softening, corresponding segment of the spinal
cord; (g) Petechiae of the palpebral conjunctiva, upper and lower eyelids,
bilateral. Toxilogical tests showed the presence of phencyclidine in Whitehead's
blood, liver and urine. On or about October 16, 1978, LAPD Robbery-Homicide
Division transmitted a confidential report (DR 78-400-703) to the Chief
of Police and City Attorney which included the above facts relating to
Whitehead's death.
Table of Deaths
(6) DAVID R. ADKINS On July 24, 1978, David
R. Adkins was a 39-year-old black male, upon whom, during a struggle, a
Los Angeles Police Officer applied a "carotid control hold" for a period
of one and one half to two minutes, Officers placed Adkins on the grass
parkway on 45th Street. At 56 minutes past midnight, July 24, 1978, Los
Angeles City rescue ambulance attendants arrived at the scene, noted that
Adkins was in full cardiac arrest, and began cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Adkins was transported to California Hospital Medical Center. Adkins was
pronounced dead at California Hospital Medical Center by Doctor N. Khour
at 1:33 a.m,, July 24, 1978. On July 24, 1978, no Los Angeles police officer
rendered cardiopulmonary resuscitation to Adkins. On July 27, 1978, Deputy
Los Angeles County Medical Examiner Joseph H. Choi performed an autopsy
on Adkins' body (Coroner's Case No. 78-9095). Dr. Choi ascribed Adkins'
death to (a) asphyxia due to or as a consequence of (b) neck compression
during restraining procedure. Another significant condition was interstitial
myocardial fibrosis. Dr. Choi described certain anatomic findings with
respect to Adkins' body to include, but not limited to: (a) Soft tissue
hemorrhage around neck organs; (b) Petechial hemorrhages in eyes, epiglottis,
over the heart and lungs; (c) Acute passive congestion of lungs; (d) Subgaleal
hemorrhage. Toxilogical tests showed a blood alcohol level of 0.19%. On
or about December 6, 1978, LAPD Robbery-Homicide Division transmitted a
confidential report (DR 78-663-943) to the Chief of Police and City Attorney
which included the above facts relating to Adkins' death.
Table of Deaths
(7) ROBERT CAMERON On December 20, 1979,
Robert Cameron was a 32-year-old caucasian male, upon whom a Los Angeles
Police Officer applied a "carotid control hold" for a period of not in
excess of one and one-half minutes. After application of the "carotid control
hold," police officers placed Cameron in a police vehicle and drove away
from the scene. About one and one-half blocks from the scene, an officer
observed that Cameron did not appear to be breathing. The officer checked
for but could not detect Cameron's pulse. The officer so informed the driver
of the police vehicle who then drove into a nearby parking lot. The officer
again checked for Cameron's pulse with negative results. The driver activated
the red lights and siren and drove to Los Angeles New Hospital, a distance
of 2.1 miles. At the emergency room of Los Angeles New Hospital, Dr. L.
Acosta found Cameron to be in cardiorespiratory arrest. Cameron was pulseless,
non-breathing and his pupils were fixed and dilated. On or about December
22, 1979, the hospital withdrew a blood sample from Cameron. Cameron remained
hospitalized in intensive care in a comatose condition until his death
was pronounced at 8:41 p.m., January 7, 1980 by Dr. K.A. Humphry. On December
20, 1979, no Los Angeles police officer rendered cardiopulmonary resuscitation
to Cameron. On January 9, 1980 at 11:30 a.m., Deputy Los Angeles County
Medical Examiner Richard J. Colfer performed an autopsy on Cameron's body
(Coroner's Case No. 80-360). Dr. Colfer ascribed Cameron's death to: hypoxic
encephalopathy due to respiratory arrest, following struggle with police
officers while in state of acute ethanol and cocaine intoxication. Dr.
Colfer described certain anatomic findings with respect to Cameron's body
to include, but not limited to: (a) Hypoxic encephalopathy. (b) Pulmonary
congestion and edema. (c) Congestion of viscera. The Los Angeles County
Medical Examiner-Coroner's office conducted toxilogical tests on the blood
which had allegedly been withdrawn from Cameron on or about December 22,
1979. The tests revealed no evidence of ethanol or cocaine or any other
drugs in the blood. On or April 10, 1980, LAPD Robbery-Homicide Division
transmitted a confidential report (DR 79-110-617) to the Chief of Police
and City Attorney which included the above facts relating to Cameron's
death.
Table of Deaths
(8) JAMES WRIGHT On March 7, 1980, James
Wright ("Wright") was a 41-year-old black male, upon whom an off-duty Los
Angeles police officer applied a "carotid control hold" for two to three
minutes. The officer handcuffed Wright and then noted that Wright was not
moving. The officer checked for but could not detect Wright's pulse. At
5:32 p.m., the officer phoned LAPD Hollywood Station and advised the Watch
Commander that he, the officer , believed Wright was dead. At 5:33 p.m,,
other LAPD officers arrived on the scene and began to give Wright cardiopulmonary
resuscitation. The officer who had applied the "carotid control hold" never
rendered cardiopulmonary resuscitation to Wright. Rescue ambulance personnel
transported Wright to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center where he failed to respond
to emergency treatment. Wright was pronounced dead at Cedars-Sinai Medical
Center at 7:07 p.m. on March 7, 1980 by Doctors Robert Bader and Susan
Gardner. On March 11, 1980, Deputy Los Angeles County Medical Examiner
Joseph H. Choi performed an autopsy on Wright's body (Coroner's Case No,
80-3230). Dr. Choi ascribed Wright's death to: (a) acute cardiorespiratory
arrest, due to or as a consequence of carotid control hold of neck. Another
significant condition was "Nonspecific cardiomyopathy." Dr. Choi described
certain anatomic findings with respect to Wright's body to include, but
not limited to: (a) Fracture of left superior cornu of thyroid cartilage;
(b) Petechiae on the epiglottis and epicardium, mild; (c) Acute pulmonary
congestion and edema. Toxicological tests showed 2.4% Lidocaine in blood;
it is disputed whether this was or was not present at the time of application
of the carotid control. On or about September 4, 1980, LAPD Robbery-Homicide
Division transmitted a confidential report (DR 80-479-477) to the Chief
of Police and City Attorney which included the above facts relating to
Wright's death.
Table of Deaths
(9) WESLEY ACREE On June 14, 1980, Wesley
Acree ("Acree") was a 21-year-old caucasian male, upon whom, during a struggle,
a Los Angeles police officer attempted to apply an upper body control hold,
Later, Acree's hands were handcuffed behind his back. Los Angeles police
officers placed Acree in a prone position onto the rear seat of a Los Angeles
police vehicle. The vehicle departed the scene for Harbor General Hospital
with Los Angeles police officer R.E. Childs (816669) driving and, Los Angeles
police officer G.L, Nanson (021631) as a passenger, Code 2 (no red lights
or siren, but as quickly as possible while obeying all traffic laws). En
route, Nanson checked for but was unable to detect Acree's pulse and it
appeared to him that Acree was not breathing. Nanson informed Childs of
this information, At approximately 8:45 p.m. Childs notified Communications
Division that they were then turning on their red lights and siren. They
arrived at the hospital at 8:48 p.m. Acree was comatose upon admission
to the emergency room and failed to respond to treatment, Acree was pronounced
dead at Harbor General Hospital by Doctor S.H. Chao on June 14, 1980 at
35 minutes after midnight. During the trip to the hospital, and upon arrival
at the hospital, no Los Angeles police officer rendered cardiopulmonary
resuscitation to Acree. On June 16, 1980 at 8:00 am, Deputy Los Angeles
County Medical Examiner Hideo H. Itabashi performed an autopsy on Acree's
body (Coroner's Case No. 80-7549). Dr. Itabashi ascribed Acree's death
to: (a) anoxic encephalomalacia, due to or as a consequence of cardiac
arrest during arrest procedure for violent behavior under the influence
of phencyclidine. Dr. Itabashi described some but not all of the anatomic
findings with respect to Acree's body to include, but not limited to: (a)
Pulmonary congestion with edema. (b) Mild cerebral edema. Toxological tests
showed no evidence of phencyclidine in Acree's blood, and showed 0.001
mg % of phencyclidine in Acree's brain tissue. On or about November 5,
1980, LAPD Robbery-Homicide Division transmitted a confidential report
(DR 80-593-210) to the Chief of Police and City Attorney which included
the above facts relating to Acree's death.
Table of Deaths
(10) LARRY MORRIS On June 17, 1980, Larry
Morris was a 29-year-old black male upon whom a Los Angeles police officer
attempted five times, during a struggle, to apply a carotid control. Approximately
15 to 30 seconds after the last attempted carotid control application,
Morris vomited and ceased moving. The officer checked for but could not
detect Morris' carotid pulse. LAPD Officer D.C. Hickman (014214) ("Hickman")
splashed water in Morris' face, but there was no reaction. LAPD Officer
Arnold M. Parker (20363) arrived on the scene and observed that Morris'
pupils were non-reactive to light. Hickman checked for but could not detect
Morris' carotid pulse. Parker opined that Morris was dead. An ambulance
was requested at 10:53 p.m. Parker pressed rhythmically on Morris' chest
with the heel of his hand, officer Pau cleared Morris' mouth of debris,
and no one gave mouth-to-mouth breathing to Morris. Rescue ambulance personnel
arrived at the scene at 11:00, examined Morris, commenced cardiopulmonary
rescuscitation, and pronounced Morris dead at 11:05 p.m. June 17, 1980.
On June 20, 1980, Deputy Los Angeles County Medical Examiner Sharon I.
Schnittker performed an autopsy on Morris' body. Dr. Schnittker ascribed
Morris' death to: (a) cardiac arrest during physical altercation, due to
or as a consequence of (b) arteriosclerotic heart disease and blunt force
injuries to the neck and soft tissues. Dr. Schnittker described some of
the anatomic findings with respect to Morris' body to include, but not
be limited to, the following: (a) Petechial hemorrhages of the bilateral
conjunctivae and undersurface of the scalp; (b) Linear ecchymosis of the
skin of the right anterior neck; (c) Superficial crescent-shaped abrasions
consistent with fingernail type abrasions of the right lower anterior neck;
(d) soft tissue injuries to the posterior and posterolateral neck; (e)
soft tissue injuries to the anterior left shoulder and anterior neck; (f)
slight hemorrhages into the cervical paravertabral musculature, interspinous
ligament, and region of the right vertebral artery; (9) no fractures of
the laryngeal cartilages or hyoid bone; (h) no petechial hemorrhages of
the laryngeal mucosa. Toxological tests showed 0.16 percent blood ethanol
(alcohol) level, but no other drugs or narcotics were detected. On or about
November 3, 1980, LAPD Robbery-Homicide Division transmitted a confidential
report (DR 80-602-225) to the Chief of Police and City Attorney which included
the above facts relating to Morris' death.
Table of Deaths
(11) LUEL MARSHALL On February 3, 1981,
Luel Marshall was a 41-year-old black male, upon whom, during a struggle,
a Los Angeles police officer applied a carotid hold for approximately five
seconds. A few minutes later, during a subsequent struggle, another Los
Angeles police officer applied a "bar am control" on Marshall for five
to seven seconds. Marshall was placed prone in the back seat of a Los Angeles
Police vehicle. The police vehicle departed the scene of the incident at
3:14 p.m. en route to a hospital. At 4:05 p.m., a nurse at County Jail
examined Marshall and found his blood pressure to be extremely high, to
wit, 238/194. The nurse advised that Marshall was a "high stroke risk"
and should be taken to County-USC Medical Center. Thereafter, in another
struggle, a Los Angeles Deputy Sheriff applied a carotid control on Marshall
for two to three seconds, rendering Marshall unconscious. Marshall was
then placed prone in the rear seat of a LAPD vehicle which departed County
Jail for County-USC Medical Center at 4:20 p.m. The LAPD vehicle containing
Marshall arrived at County-USC Medical Center at 4:45 p.m. Upon arrival
at County-USC Medical Center, Los Angeles Police Officer J.C. Hone (#21813)
noticed that Marshall was motionless and appeared to be unconscious. Hone
checked for but could not detect Marshall's pulse or breathing. Marshall
was wheeled on a gurney into the emergency room where a Dr. Grisby determined
that he was in "full cardiac arrest." Hospital personnel administered cardiopulmonary
resuscitation to Marshall. Marshall responded by showing vital signs, but
he remained comatose. He was placed on a life-support system, his condition
was "extremely serious" with a high likelihood of death. Marshall remained
comatose until March 17, 1981 when he was pronounced dead at County-U.S.C.
Hospital by Dr. Nancy Pascual at 3:20 a.m. On March 19, 1981, at 10:00
am, Deputy Los Angeles County Medical Examiner Joseph H, Choi performed
an autopsy or! Marshall's body (Coroner's Case No. 81-3654). Dr. Choi ascribed
Marshall's death to: (a) hypostatic bronchopneumonia due to or as a consequence
of (b) hypoxic encephalopathy following carotid hold to control drug influenced
violent behavior. Dr.. Choi ascribed certain anatomic findings with respect
to Marshall to include hypoxic encephalomalacia. Toxological tests of blood
and bile showed no evidence of phencyclidine in Marshall's body. On about
July 16, 1981, LAPD Robbery-Homicide Division transmitted a confidential
report (DR 81-305-438) to the Chief of Police and City Attorney which included
the above facts relating to Marshall's death.
Table of Deaths
(12) CHARLES J. HILL On March 14, 1981,
Charles J. Hill ("Hill") was a 40-year-old black male. During a struggle
at approximately 6:15 p.m., a Los Angeles police officer placed his right
arm around Hill's neck. A few moments later, another Los Angeles police
officer applied a "bar am" hold on Hill for an unknown length of time.
Hill was transported to LAPD's Hollywood station and was locked into a
cell alone at about 6:25 p.m. At 8:00 p.m., Hill appeared to be alive in
the cell. At 8:40 p.m., a Los Angeles police officer observed that Hill
was not moving and had no vital signs. Rescue ambulance personnel were
called at 8:41 p.m, and arrived at 8:45 p.m. Rescue ambulance personnel
administered emergency medical treatment on Hill, who failed to respond
and was pronounced dead at 10:49 p.m. On March 14, 1981, no Los Angeles
police officer rendered cardiopulmonary resuscitation to Hill. On March
17, 1981, Deputy Los Angeles County Medical Examiners William E. Sherry
and Ronald N. Kornblum performed an autopsy on Hill's body (Coroner's Case
No. 81-3518). Doctors Sherry and Kornblum ascribed Hill's death to sickle
cell crisis. Doctors Sherry and Kornblum described some but not all of
:he anatomic findings with respect to Hill's body to include abrasions
to the neck, hemorrhage within the right thyroid muscle, hemorrhage in
the connective tissue posterior to the left superior cornu of the thyroid
cartilage, hemorrhage in the connective tissue posterior to the right superior
cornu of the thyroid cartilage, and hemorrhage of the hyoid cartilage.
Toxological tests showed no evidence of narcotics, alcohol or any other
drugs in Hill's body. On or about May 15, 1981, LAPD Robbery-Homicide Division
transmitted a confidential report (DR 81-488-642) to the Chief of Police
and City Attorney which included the above facts relating to Hill's death.
Table of Deaths
(13) ROBERT COUSINS On May 12, 1981, Robert
Cousins was a 33-year-old white male. Shortly after 6:08 a.m., during a
struggle, a Los Angeles police officer encircled Cousins' neck with his
left arm, grasped his left hand with his right hand and locked his fingers
together. He positioned his left forearm adjacent to the left side of Cousins'
neck. He began to apply pressure to Cousins' carotid artery. The officer
released Cousins. During a continuation of the struggle, another Los Angeles
police officer placed his right arm around Cousins' neck, grasped his right
hand in his left, and locked his fingers. He applied pressure to Cousins'
neck with his right arm and Cousins slumped to the floor. The second officer
had applied pressure to Cousins' neck for approximately 20 seconds, Cousins
was handcuffed and placed supine on the floor at about 6:17 a.m. At about
6:17 a.m., two LAPD sergeants observed a bluish discoloration of Cousins'
face. It appeared to them that Cousins was unconscious. Cousins had no
heartbeat or pulse. Two Los Angeles police officer commenced cardiopulmonary
resuscitation upon Cousins. A rescue ambulance was summoned at about 6:19
a.m. The rescue ambulance arrived at 6:26 a.m. and rescue personnel took
over cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Cousins was transported to Tarzana
Medical Center, arriving at 6:41 a.m., where he was admitted, comatose
and in full cardiac arrest, to intensive care and placed on a life support
system. Cousins was pronounced dead on May 12, 1981 at 4:26 p.m. at Tarzana
Medical Center by Doctor H. Schoerfiela. On May 14, 1981 at 9:00 a.m.,
Deputy Los Angeles County Medical Examiner Eva T. Heuser performed an autopsy
on Cousins' body (Coroner's Case No. 81-6169). Dr. Heuser ascribed Cousins'
death to (a) hypoxic encephalopathy, due to or as a consequence of cardiac
arrest during physical exertion while being restrained. Dr. Heuser described
some of the anatomic findings with respect to Cousins' body to include,
but not be limited to: (a) Hypoxic encephalopathy; (b) Multiple blunt force
trauma to soft tissues of the neck. Toxological tests showed no evidence
of narcotics or alcohol or any other drugs in Cousins' body. In September,
1981, LAPD Robbery-Homicide Division transmitted a confidential report
(DR 81-559-624) to the Chief of Police and City Attorney which included
the above facts relating to Cousins' death.
Table of Deaths
(14) ARTHUR W. MCNEIL On July 28, 1981,
Arthur W. McNeil ("McNeil") was a 36-year-old black male, upon whom, during
a struggle, at about 4:30 a.m, a Los Angeles police officer applied a "modified
carotid hold" and a " full carotid hold" for a total of fifteen seconds.
A few minutes later, during another struggle, another Los Angeles police
officer applied a carotid hold on McNeil for eight to ten seconds. Los
Angeles police officers transported McNeil to LAPD's Southeast Station
and placed McNeil into a cell. At about 5:30 a.m,, a Los Angeles police
officer checked McNeil's pulse with negative results. A Los Angeles police
officer began rhythmic pressure to McNeil's chest, but no one gave mouth-to-mouth
breathing to McNeil. A rescue ambulance was summoned at 5:30 a.m. and arrived
at 5:36 a.m, whereupon ambulance personnel commenced full cardiopulmonary
resuscitation on McNeil. The rescue ambulance transported McNeil to Martin
Luther King Hospital where Dr. Phalak administered emergency treatment.
McNeil failed to respond to treatment and Dr. Phalak pronounced death at
6:18 a.,m. July 28, 1981. On July 29, 1981 at 12:00 noon, Deputy Los Angeles
Medical Examiner Irwin L. Golden performed an autopsy on McNeil's body.
Dr. Golden ascribed McNeil's death to sudden death following altercation
with blunt force trauma to neck. Dr. Golden described some of the anatomic
findings with respect to McNeil to include, but not be limited to: (a)
Multiple bruises of the neck; (b) Soft tissue and intramuscular hemorrhage,
right anterior cervical region; (c! Hemorrhage into right sternocleidomastoid
muscle and right strap musculature; (d) Hemorrhage into capsule of right
lobe of thyroid gland; (e) Hemorrhage, anterior surface of thyroid cartilage,
right; (f) Hemorrhage in right and left pharyngeal wall; (g) Fracture of
right greater cornua of thyroid cartilage; Toxological tests showed no
evidence of narcotics, alcohol or any other drugs in McNeil's body. On
or about September 28, 1981, LAPD Robbery-Homicide Division transmitted
a confidential report (DR 81-651-760) to the Chief of Police and City Attorney
which included the above facts relating to McNeil's death.
Table of Deaths
(15) JAMES T. MINCEY, JR. On March 22,
1982, James T. Mincey, Jr. ("Mincey") was a 20-year-old black male upon
whom, during a struggle, at about 10:40 p.m., a Los Angeles police officer
applied a carotid control hold for one and one-half to two minutes. Thereafter,
Mincey was transported eight-tenths of a mile prone, on the rear seat of
a Los Angeles police vehicle to Pacoima Memorial Hospital. Upon arrival
at the hospital, hospital personnel found Mincey to be in full cardiac
arrest and commenced cardiopulmonary resuscitation, Mincey failed to respond.
to medical treatment and remained comatose on a life support system until
his death was pronounced by Dr. J.R. Swacus at 2:40 p.m. on April 5, 1982.
On April 6, 1982, at 10:00 a.m., Acting Los Angeles Medical Examiner-Coroner
Ronald N. Kornblum performed an autopsy on Mincey's body (Coroner's Case
Nunber 82-3427). Dr, Kornblum ascribed Mincey's death to anoxic encephalopathy,
due to or as a consequence of blunt force injury to the neck. Dr. Kornblum
described certain of the anatomic findings with respect to Mincey's body
to include, but not be limited to: (a) Linear abrasion of neck with hernorrhage
between hyoid bone and thyroid cartilage; (b) Subscleral hemorrhages. Toxological
tests showed no evidence of narcotics or alcohol or any other drugs in
Mincey's body, On or about May 28, 1982, LAPD Robbery-Homicide Division
transmitted a confidential report (DR 82-023-679) to the Chief of Police
and City Attorney which included the above facts relating to Mincey's death.
Table of Deaths
(16) DONALD R. WILSON: On July 31, 1982,
Donald R. Wilson ("Wilson") was a 26-year-old black male upon whom, during
a struggle, at about 7:25 a.m., a Los Angeles police officer applied a
right modified carotid control for 20 to 30 seconds. Police officers then
placed Wilson prone on the rear seat of an LAPD vehicle and drove towards
County-USC Medical Center. Upon arrival at the Medical Center at about
7:32 a.m., a Los Angeles police officer checked for but could not find
Wilson's pulse. Thereafter, Los Angeles police officers transported Wilson
by elevator to the 13th floor jail-ward at the Medical Center where Dr,
James Porter determined Wilson was in full cardiac arrest. Dr. Porter administered
emergency medical treatment, but Wilson failed to respond, Dr, Porter pronounced
Wilson dead at 8:37 a.m., July 31, 1982. On July 31, 1982, no Los Angeles
police officer administered cardiopulmonary resuscitation to Wilson. On
August 2, 1982, Acting Chief Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner
Ronald Kornblum performed an autopsy on Wilson's body (Coroner's Case Number
82-9585). Dr. Kornblum, ascribed Wilson's death to sudden death associated
with blunt force injury to neck and myocardial fibrosis and scarring. Other
significant conditions were pulmonary fibrosis and inflammation. Dr. Kornblum
described certain of the anatomic findings with respect to Wilson to include,
but not be limited to: (a) Two small contusion hemorrhages of the strap
muscles on the left side at the level of the prominence of the thyroid
cartilage; (b) A small intimal tear of the left common carotid artery;
(c) A large hematoma in the right scalene nuscles just deep to the carotid
sinus. On or about October 18, 1982, LAPD Robbery Homicide Division transmitted
a confidential report (DR 82-659-903) to the Chief of Police and City Attorney
which included the above facts relating to Wilson's death.
Table of Deaths
