Alabama Police Killed Man in Mental Health Crisis by Kneeling on Neck, Autopsy Rules Homicide

Autopsy Confirms Homicide in Reeder's Death

• autopsy report confirms that Phillip Reeder, 53, died from restraint during an altercation with law enforcement.
• 💔 The official cause of death is ruled a homicide, directly linked to an officer kneeling on his neck.
• 🏥 Reeder was experiencing a mental health crisis when Irondale police were called to the scene.

Circumstances of the Incident

• ⚡ Police initially used a stun gun, which was not fully effective, leading to physical restraint.
• 🤕 The autopsy noted blunt force injuries, abrasions, and contusions consistent with handcuffs and restraint.
• ⚠️ The report also cited hypertensive heart disease and cocaine use as contributing factors, but not the primary cause of death.

Family's Argument and Legal Parallels

• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Reeder's family asserts that the incident was a mental health issue and that he was unarmed and not threatening anyone.
• ⚖️ The discussion draws parallels to vehicular homicide and manslaughter, arguing that pre-existing conditions do not negate responsibility for a death caused by an altercation.
• 🗣️ The argument is made that the but for dynamic of the police restraint is what directly led to Reeder's death.

Police Response and Autopsy's Significance

• 🚫 Irondale police deny claims that a knee was used as restraint and maintain Reeder was a danger to himself and others.
• 📰 It is considered significant that a medical examiner in Alabama has ruled the death a homicide, potentially going against police accounts.
• 🔍 The family and lawyers believe a video of the incident, if accurate, would refute police denials about the restraint method.