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Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Andrew Baker's expected testimony about the cause of George Floyd's death could pose challenges for both the state and defense if it mirrors what he's said in at least a half-dozen briefings with state and federal prosecutors. http://strib.mn/3wGjiza
In an unusual legal maneuver, state prosecutors are seemingly distancing themselves from Baker's findings, by rounding up other medical experts to testify, including a veteran forensic specialist who helped train Baker.
For instance, today, rather than put Baker on the stand to discuss his autopsy findings, the state called Martin Tobin, a pulmonary specialist, who testified that Floyd died because he couldn't breathe while handcuffed on his stomach. http://strib.mn/31Wo4ub
Cause of death's a central theme of this case, and as such Baker has emerged as a key witness. He concluded it was cardiac arrest. Floyd’s family believes he died of asphyxiation and Chauvin’s attorney has argued that he succumbed to a drug overdose/underlying health issues.
After announcing his autopsy results last June, Baker was inundated with threats, prompting the county to spend $4,325 to install emergency fencing and concrete barriers around the medical examiner’s downtown office office downtown. The barricades remain. http://strib.mn/2QcZ3bh
Two county commissioners even voted against Baker's reappointment, with one saying she took exception to the autopsy's mention of "potential intoxicants in his system." http://strib.mn/2RjPzf8
