Eric Garner’s death ruled a homicide after NYPD officer put him in chokehold: medical examiner #news

The death of a Staten Island man who collapsed after being placed in an illegal chokehold by a police officer has been ruled a homicide.

Eric Garner died from compression of the neck and chest while being while being physically restrained by police officers, the New York City Medical Examiner said Friday.

Garner’s asthma, obesity and high blood pressure were contributing factors in his death, the autopsy determined.

It was the latest development in a case that sparked national outrage after The Daily News obtained video showing Officer Daniel Pantaleo putting Garner in the chokehold.

Garner’s widow said she was relieved that the ME confirmed what had been suspected for weeks.

“Thank God the truth is finally out,” Esaw Garner told The Daily News. “Thank God for that.”

In a terse statement, the Staten Island District Attorney’s office said it had been in touch with the ME.

“We await the issuance of the official death certificate and the autopsy report,” it said. “The investigation into Mr. Garner's death continues."