Exclusive: Death Of Man In Police Custody Ruled As Homicide
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COCONUT CREEK (CBSMiami) – The death of a man, who died in police custody, was ruled as a homicide, according to his death certificate.
For the family of Calvon Reid, the news confirms their suspicions that Coconut Creek Police were responsible for Reid's death.
The attorney for Calvon Reid's family, Jarrett Blakely, says the document proves that the actions of the police led to Reid's death.
The 39-year old father of two died earlier this year after Coconut Creek Police tasered him in the parking lot of a condo complex.
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The information on Reid's death is contained in the death certificate which says Reid died from complications of an electro-muscular disruption device or Taser.
The new details come as no surprise to Blakely.
"They think that the police department used unnecessary force, excessive force, that they violated his constitutional rights and that they caused his death," said Blakely.
Reid's mother, Mamie, told us from her home in South Carolina on Friday that she wants the officers involved to be held accountable.
"We would like to see them arrested," she said. "We would like to see them come to trial and we would like to see them convicted."
Police initially refused to release details on the death but they said that Reid was agitated and violent when he encountered officers.
"He kept yelling out, `Baby, help!' And `Baby!' and `They're going to kill me!'" said Bonnie Eshleman.
Mamie Reid says she believes the police were never straight with her family about Calvon's death.
"What are we to believe," she said. "It seems as if there had been a cover up, trying to keep us from the truth."
Reid's friend and boss Jermane Fearon said Reid's family and friends need closure.
"We need to get some kind of justice for what happened…for his kids…everyone needs some justice," said Fearon.
Taser International sent CBS4 a statement saying, "Our sympathies go out to the Reid family and the law enforcement officers involved in this tragic incident. Beyond that, we cannot comment on this ongoing investigation."
The death certificate also mentions other significant conditions contributing to Reid's death including cocaine, alcohol and a heart condition.
The attorney for Reid's family says it was the Taser that killed him, the police are to blame and should not be investigating Reid's death.
"Their actions in this case are unacceptable. They are not the appropriate agency to be investigating this case. We don't think they are capable of doing an investigation. They took his life and they caused his death," said Blakely.
Authorities told CBS4's Carey Codd that despite the homicide cause of death, that does not mean someone will be charged with murder.
The Broward State Attorney's Office said they are continuing to assist Coconut Creek Police investigating the case and the case will eventually be presented to a grand jury for a decision on charges.
Codd left messages for the Coconut Creek Police as well as the attorney for the officers involved. He is waiting on calls back.
