Copyright © 2021 Albuquerque Journal The death of a 43-year-old man who died while Albuquerque police officers were taking him into custody earlier this year has been ruled a homicide. The Office of the Medical Investigator released an autopsy report on Wednesday stating that Danny White died from sudden cardiac arrest while being restrained in a prone position. Huntington's disease, obesity and hypertensive cardiovascular disease are listed as "significant, contributing conditions." "He was placed on the floor on his stomach, a position which can compromise breathing, particularly in the presence of obesity with increased abdominal fat," the report states. "He was held down, which can restrict the ability of the chest to expand during breathing. This combination of conditions reduced Mr. White's ability to breathe, reduced the supply of oxygen to the heart and led to his death." "The manner of death is homicide," the report adds. University of New Mexico Health Sciences does not comment about the results of autopsies, a spokesman said. A handbook from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that the National Association of Medical Examiners defines homicide as when a death results from ''... a volitional act committed by another person to cause fear, harm or death. Intent to cause death is a common element but is not required for classification as homicide.'' Gilbert Gallegos, an Albuquerque Police Department spokesman, said officers Michael Harrison and Josh Johnson were found to have violated policy in the use-of- force procedures. "They were given nondisciplinary corrective action," Gallegos said. The policy in question states: "In situations when the individual is forced into a face down position, officers shall release pressure/weight from the individual and position the individual on their side or sit them up as soon as they are restrained and it is safe to do so. Officers shall monitor the individual for any breathing problems or any other signs of distress." Harrison has been with APD since 2007 and Johnson has been with APD since 2017. When reached by the Journal on Wednesday White's family declined to comment.

Man's death in custody of APD ruled a homicide

Danny White

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