The original content of Democracy Now! Headlines appears under the Creative
Commons BY-NC-ND 3.0 License (United States). For more, including their other
shows and media, visit www.democracynow.org.
April 15, 2021

Witness for Derek Chauvin's Defense Claims George Floyd Died of Heart Disease, Drugs and Car Fumes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A few miles south of Brooklyn Center, the murder trial of Derek Chauvin
continues today with speculation growing over whether the former
Minneapolis police officer will take the stand in his own defense. On
Wednesday, a forensic pathologist called by Chauvin's lawyers testified
that George Floyd died of heart trouble - rather than a lack of oxygen.
Dr. David Fowler, the former chief medical examiner for the state of
Maryland, dismissed an official autopsy report that found Floyd died of
cardiopulmonary arrest due to restraint and neck compression.

Video of Floyd's death shows Chauvin kneeling on Floyd's neck for over
nine minutes - including for several minutes after Floyd stopped
responding. But Dr. Fowler claimed Floyd died from a combination of
heart disease, drug use and tailpipe emissions from a police cruiser.

Dr. David Fowler: "There is exposure to a vehicle exhaust, so
potentially carbon monoxide poisoning."

Under cross-examination, Dr. Fowler admitted there was no evidence of
carbon monoxide in George Floyd's blood. He also conceded that George
Floyd should have been given medical attention - and might have survived
if officers had rendered aid.


.