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Seven California Highway Patrol Officers and Nurse Charged with Involuntary Manslaughter in Connection to Man’s Death During DUI Blood Sample

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Manslaughter in California ( Photo: MEAWW)

Eight individuals, including seven California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers and a nurse, have been charged with involuntary manslaughter in connection to the death of Edward Bronstein in March 2020.

officers

Manslaughter in California ( Photo: MEAWW)

Involuntary Manslaughter That Led to Bronstein’s Death

Bronstein, who was stopped on suspicion of driving under the influence, died while being restrained by officers who were attempting to take a blood sample. The L.A. County coroner attributed Bronstein’s death to “acute methamphetamine intoxication during restraint by law enforcement.” The officers and nurse are accused of “criminally negligent” actions that led to Bronstein’s death.

The video footage of the incident, which was released last year as part of a federal lawsuit filed by Bronstein’s family, shows six officers holding Bronstein face-down on a mat, as he repeatedly shouts “I can’t breathe.” Bronstein had a trace amount of methamphetamine in his system and a blood-alcohol content of 0.07%, just below the legal limit, when he was pulled over. Family members have alleged that he was reluctant to comply with the blood sample request because of his fear of needles.

The seven CHP officers facing charges have been identified as Sgt. Michael Little and Officers Dionisio Fiorella, Dustin Osmanson, Darren Parsons, Diego Romero, Justin Silva, and Marciel Terry. The nurse, Arbi Baghalian, has also been charged with involuntary manslaughter. None of the accused had turned themselves in as of Wednesday evening. They each face one count of involuntary manslaughter and one felony count of assault under the color of authority.

If convicted, they could be sentenced to up to four years in prison.

The CHP has expressed its condolences to Bronstein’s family and highlighted its commitment to safety. Bronstein’s death prompted the CHP to revise its policies to prevent the use of techniques that pose a risk of positional asphyxia. In September 2021, California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a law prohibiting the use of certain face-down holds by police. The legislation was aimed at expanding the state’s ban on chokeholds following the murder of George Floyd. An arraignment for the eight individuals charged in connection with Bronstein’s death has not yet been scheduled.

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