Family, Activists React To Hutcheson Death Ruled Homicide
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DALLAS (CBS11) - The death of Joseph Hutcheson was a homicide.
The Dallas County Medical Examiners Office released a preliminary autopsy report Monday. The report cited the cause of death as a combination of illicit drug use, heart disease and stress generated from physical struggle and restraint.
The last two causal factors could be tied to the actions of Dallas County Sheriff's detention officers.
On August 1, Hutcheson entered the jail lobby. His conduct was defined as erratic, and jail visitors could be seen hurriedly moving away from the Arlington man. A security surveillance camera recorded it all, including jailers who moved in to take Hutcheson to the ground. One officer appears to have placed his knee at the back of Hutcheson's neck, while others try to handcuff him.
Eight minutes later, officers are initiating chest compressions on Hutcheson. He died on the floor.
"This was a homicide. The deputies were the factors in the death of Joseph Hutcheson", Rev. Jeff Hood said today.
Hood stood next to Hutcheson's brother James, who said his brother, despite the drugs found in his body, would be alive today if deputies handled the matter appropriately.
"He suffocated. That's what happened. He died because he could not breathe", Hutcheson said.
The brother believes the actions of at least one jailer restraining Joseph Hutcheson was criminal. Rev. Hood said the unnamed officer, at the very least, should lose his job.
Sheriff Lupe Valdez has declined all comment while the investigation of the deputies actions continues.
Last week, the Sheriff's Department released the video of the incident inside the jail lobby.
The full autopsy report on Hutcheson's death has not been completed.
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