Thirty-six deaths in police custody in Maryland should have been ruled homicides, according to a recent audit by the Maryland Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. This investigation, launched in response to former Chief Medical Examiner David Fowler’s controversial testimony regarding George Floyd’s death, highlights troubling patterns in how such cases have been classified.
- Audit finds 36 deaths should be homicides
- Racial bias in death classifications noted
- Recommendations for law enforcement practices issued
- New task force established for oversight
- Attorney General to review cases further
- Families of victims seeking justice and acknowledgment
The audit reviewed 87 cases from 2003 to 2019, revealing that 41 deaths, including 12 from Baltimore City, should have been classified as homicides. This raises critical questions about racial bias and the accountability of law enforcement practices in Maryland.
This audit uncovers significant discrepancies in how deaths related to police restraint are classified, particularly among people of color. Are these findings indicative of systemic issues within the Maryland Office of the Chief Medical Examiner? The data suggests a troubling trend that warrants further investigation.
- 70% of the deceased were people of color.
- Independent pathologists found a failure to classify deaths properly.
- Recommendations include increased use of body cameras and better documentation.
As Maryland moves forward with a new task force to address these findings, it’s crucial for other states to evaluate their own practices. Will this lead to meaningful change in how we approach police-related deaths nationwide?
