Audit reveals 36 police custody deaths misclassified as homicides
- An audit revealed systemic bias in autopsies of deaths occurring in police custody, focusing on cases involving restraint.
- Medical experts reviewed 87 cases and identified 36 instances where deaths should have been classified as homicides.
- Governor Wes Moore initiated a reevaluation of the cases, aiming to enhance transparency and accountability in police-related fatalities.
In Maryland, an extensive audit of autopsies found 36 instances where deaths occurring in police custody were misclassified as non-homicidal. This review was catalyzed by widespread concerns regarding the previous state's medical examiner, Dr. David Fowler, whose biased testimony in the George Floyd case raised significant scrutiny over his tenure. The audit focused specifically on cases involving individuals who died after being restrained by law enforcement officers. A panel of medical experts evaluated 87 cases and determined that the classification understated the severity and nature of the deaths, thereby denying justice to affected families. Governor Wes Moore subsequently responded to these findings with an executive order mandating the attorney general, Anthony Brown, to reassess the 41 highlighted cases for potential reopening. The audit raised serious questions about the systemic biases present in death determinations, often skewing towards classification of deaths as 'undetermined', especially for Black individuals. This systemic issue points to the larger implications these findings have for the justice system, as they speak to ingrained racial and institutional biases that need to be addressed. The investigation's findings do not seem to imply intentional misconduct, but they reflect the need for thorough reforms within the medical examination process in police custody cases. The task force created by the governor aims to bring awareness to the circumstances surrounding these deaths and establish a clearer and more accountable process for autopsy determinations moving forward. With the spotlight on the Maryland autopsy practices, it sets a precedent for similar inquiries across the nation, providing a potential framework for understanding and reevaluating in-custody deaths. Familial calls for accountability have often been muted, but the current administration’s actions signal a shift towards greater transparency in cases involving police-related fatalities.