NYT Investigation: They died in police custody — at least 47 Black people in the past 25 years; 15 since 2015. When blame was put on sickle cell trait, a condition mostly found in Black people that is almost always benign, it often ended further scrutiny. nyti.ms/3ouLL7r
These are the cases we found in which the sickle cell trait was cited as a cause or major factor in the deaths. In roughly two-thirds, the person who died had been forcefully restrained by the authorities, pepper-sprayed or shocked with stun guns. nyti.ms/3eMEBYE
What we found: ▪️ 19 deaths involved restraints that could hinder breathing. ▪️ 5 were initially ruled homicides. ▪️ 21 involved stun guns or pepper spray. ▪️ 2 involved bites from police dogs. ▪️ The rest were labeled undetermined, accidental or natural. nyti.ms/3eMEBYE
The sickle cell trait factored into the case of Derek Chauvin, the former police officer convicted of murdering George Floyd. Last August, Chauvin's lawyers invoked the trait, calling it one factor in Floyd's death in an unsuccessful motion to dismiss the case against him.
But the vast majority of cases we analyzed did not end in a conviction. Instead, in across 22 states and Puerto Rico, in big cities and small towns, the determinations on sickle cell trait often created enough doubt for officers to avert criminal or civil penalties.
@nytimes They were and still are trying anything... Wonder if they'll try that in the Federal case? Racism lives.
@nytimes Disgusting! So the cops are now fully aware of sickle cell & using it as a scapegoat for murder! That's how messed up policing in America is! To hear they used it in Chauvin case proves they use the illness as a cover & are knowledgeable about sickle cell!
@nytimes Y’all love giving white supremacy cover! But here’s one and it goes all the way back to chattel slavery in this country!