Methamphetamine listed as cause of death for man involved in police encounter
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — An autopsy report released by the Office of the Medical Examiner revealed the cause of death for a man involved in an encounter with El Paso Police officers on Alameda last month as toxic effects of methamphetamine. There was no mention of injuries incurred from officers as contributing to his death.
Jonathan Rose Eddens, 35, died on April 14, after EPPD officers were dispatched to reports of a person in the roadway in the 3300 block of Alameda.
Police say man died after being taken into custody; incident being investigated
El Paso Police released body camera footage from two responding officers in early May, showing Eddens bleeding from his head while officers asked him to sit down so he could be checked for injuries.
Eight responding officers restrained Eddens while punching him, and one appeared to kick Eddens in the head.
The autopsy report obtained by KTSM lists Eddens cause of death as the toxic effects of methamphetamine with a contributing factor of hypertensive cardiovascular disease. This manner of death is listed as “accident.”
While Dr. Adam Gonzalez lists extensive injuries to Edden’s head, chest, back, hands, and legs, he ultimately concluded, “It is my opinion that the cause of death is toxic effects of methamphetamine. Despite the use of physical restraints and electrical weapons, the decedent remained responsive for some time. As such, these did not play a role in the cause of death, which is attributed solely to drug toxicity.”
The report went on to say: “Should new evidence come to light, the manner of death is subject to change.”
Edden’s toxicology report indicates he had methamphetamine with its metabolite amphetamine. His results also returned as presumptive positive urine results for fentanyl and cocaine, which did not appear in his blood test.
As KTSM has reported in their award-winning series “Dying for Answers,” methamphetamine toxicity is often listed as a factor in less-lethal use of force instances resulting in death.
Dying for Answers: Ray’s Story
In January 2021, Ray Lara died following an encounter with two UTEP police officers. His cause of death is also listed as methamphetamine toxicity. However, Lara’s autopsy lists physiological stress associated with physical restraint, and his manner of death is listed as homicide.
Dying for Answers: Danny’s Story
In April 2021, Daniel Diaz died following an encounter with seven El Paso Police officers inside the Lunchbox restaurant in East El Paso. The medical examiner listed Diaz’s manner of death as homicide, with his cause listed as sudden death during law enforcement subdual and restraint. Methamphetamine toxicity is listed as a contributing factor in Diaz’s death.
Lara’s toxicity report indicated his methamphetamine results were 1500 ng/ml. Diaz’s methamphetamine results were listed as 4300 ng/ml. By comparison, Edden’s methamphetamine results are much lower, at just 350 ng/ml.
The key difference in each case is how long the individual remained responsive after their law enforcement encounter. Diaz and Lara became unresponsive while being restrained, while Eddens remained responsive while EPFD medics arrived to treat him.
NAACP calls for ‘thorough investigation’ of man’s death in police custody
The NAACP called for an investigation into Edden’s death, saying in a statement, “The NAACP El Paso Branch is deeply saddened and disturbed by the recent death of Mr. Jonathan Rose Eddens under police custody in our city. This tragedy raises serious questions about the procedures and practices of local law enforcement agencies, and we demand an immediate and thorough investigation into the circumstances leading to this devastating loss.”
In the wake of KTSM’s investigation into the lack of transparency when releasing documents and videos relating to in-custody deaths, EPPD has released two body camera tapes of subsequent deadly encounters. EPPD stated the video’s release was intended to provide our community with context and preliminary information surrounding the events of that day.
EPPD’s investigation into Edden’s death is being conducted by their Crimes Against Persons Department and the Texas Rangers. The Internal Affairs Division is conducting a separate investigation to determine if any officers will face disciplinary action.
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