Maryland Audit Reveals systemic Bias in Police Death Investigations, Perhaps Reclassifying Dozens of Cases as Homicides
Baltimore, MD – A recently released independent audit of the Maryland Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has revealed a disturbing pattern of potential bias in death investigations involving law enforcement, potentially reclassifying nearly forty in-custody deaths previously ruled as accidental or undetermined as homicides. The findings stem from concerns raised after the former head medical examiner testified in 2021 that Derek Chauvin was not responsible for the death of george Floyd, sparking fears that his pro-law enforcement leanings influenced his office’s decisions over a seventeen-year period.
The case of Anton Black, a 19-year-old Black man with bipolar disorder, tragically exemplifies the issues highlighted in the audit. Black died in 2018 from asphyxiation after being chased and restrained by police officers who claimed he exhibited ”superhuman strength.” Despite his family’s protests, the Medical Examiner initially ruled his death an accident.
This ruling, and potentially dozens more like it, are now under scrutiny. The audit suggests a systemic undercounting of homicides in cases involving police, raising serious questions about accountability and transparency in the justice system.
Disproportionate Impact on Vulnerable Populations
The revelations are particularly concerning given existing data on police violence. Black individuals are statistically more likely to experience police violence, and individuals with mental health conditions, like Anton Black, face an even higher risk. Officers involved in Black’s death used the claim of ”superhuman strength” – a term frequently enough used to justify excessive force - to defend their actions.
This echoes a broader pattern where individuals experiencing mental health crises are met with force rather than de-escalation, often with fatal consequences. Research has consistently demonstrated a link between mental illness and increased vulnerability to police violence.
“Excited Delirium” and the Justification of force
The concept of ”superhuman strength” often ties into the controversial and largely debunked diagnosis of “excited delirium,” a term frequently invoked by law enforcement to explain and justify the use of force against individuals exhibiting signs of mental distress or substance use. experts have increasingly criticized “excited delirium” as pseudoscience used to rationalize brutality.
A Call for Accountability and Reform
The Maryland audit is a stark reminder of the need for independent oversight in death investigations, particularly those involving law enforcement. It underscores the importance of addressing systemic biases within the medical examiner system and ensuring that all deaths in custody are thoroughly and impartially investigated. The families of those impacted by these potential misclassifications deserve justice, and the public deserves to know the truth about the circumstances surrounding these tragic deaths.Stay informed with World-Today-News.com for continuing coverage of this developing story.
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