Pathologist Who Examined Michael Brown To Review Eric Garner Autopsy
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- The expert forensic pathologist who conducted an autopsy on Michael Brown in Missouri will also review the final autopsy report for Eric Garner – the Staten Island man who died after being put in a police chokehold, the attorney for Garner's family said Thursday.
Attorney Sanford Rubenstein said Dr. Michael Baden is scheduled to look at Garner's autopsy report on Friday. He will also look at all microscopic slides, all organs and tissues that the city medical examiner's office has.
The New York City Medical Examiner's office confirmed the review and said such an action was routine.
Rubenstein said Baden was expected to discuss his findings with the news media after the review was concluded.
Garner, an asthmatic father of six, died on July 17 after being placed in an apparent chokehold by police who were trying to arrest him for allegedly selling loose, untaxed cigarettes.
In cellphone video of the incident, an officer is seen placing his arm around Garner's neck and then taking him to the ground after Garner refuses to be handcuffed.
Garner is heard saying repeatedly in the video, "I can't breathe!"
The Medical Examiner's office later ruled Garner's death a homicide, caused by the officer's chokehold as well chest and neck compressions and prone positioning "during physical restraint by police."
Asthma, heart disease and obesity were contributing factors, the medical examiner said.
Chokeholds are banned by the NYPD, but allowed under state law.
In August, Rev. Sharpton led a march and rally on Staten Island demanding justice for Garner.
Staten Island District Attorney Daniel Donovan has sent the case to a grand jury for review. The grand jury will reportedly look at the actions of all police involved, as well as the Emergency Medical Services workers who responded.
Baden is the pathologist who conducted an independent autopsy of Brown, 18, who was killed in an August encounter with a police officer in Ferguson, Missouri.
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