MINNEAPOLIS, MINN. (NCC NEWS)- Pulmonologist Dr. Martin Tobin testified in fired Minneapolis officer Derek Chauvin’s murder trial today. Click here for a rundown on George Floyd’s death last year and how it created a worldwide protest.
Dr. Tobin is a world-renowned Chicago-based pulmonologist. Tobin said Floyd did not die due to Floyd’s drug use and pre-existing health conditions. He said Floyd experienced brain damage because of a low level of oxygen.
“Shallow breaths weren’t able to carry air through his lungs, down to the essential areas of the lungs that get oxygen into the blood and get rid of carbon dioxide,” said Tobin.
This statement follows statements made by chemist Brehana Giles on Wednesday about Floyd’s drug use. Giles works with the Minnesota state Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. She testified saying she found Floyd’s blood and bills with DNA on them in the squad car where he struggled with officers. Giles says she found pills that contained methamphetamine and potential other substances she could not identify.
Prosecutors then contacted forensic chemist Susan Neith to test the pills. Neith testified that she found fentanyl and methamphetamine in the pills but said the level was much lower than typical street meth.
Dr. Tobin’s testimony is significant because the defense claims Floyd died because of his heart disease and drug use. Tobin contradicts this by arguing Floyd died of oxygen deprivation from being pinned down under Chauvin’s knee.
In addition, LAPD prosecution expert Jody Stiger testified that Chauvin used deadly force against Floyd. “My opinion was that no force was reasonable in that position,” Stiger said.
Chauvin is currently being charged with second-degree murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter, according to the New York Times. Chauvin has pleaded not guilty. The other three officers involved in the murder of George Floyd are expected to testify in August.
Chauvin’s trial will continue tomorrow.
