Keenan Anderson, the cousin of Black Lives Matter co-founder Patrisse Cullors, died from effects of cardiomyopathy — also known as an enlarged heart — and cocaine use after he was repeatedly tasered by Los Angeles police officers earlier this year, according to the newly released coroner’s report.
Anderson, a father and high school English teacher in Washington D.C., was visiting family in California when the fatal confrontation unfolded.
“On January 3, law enforcement personnel responded to the scene of an auto accident where Mr. Anderson was a driver,” according to a statement from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner.
While Anderson initially cooperated with authorities as they investigated whether he was under the influence of drugs or alcohol, he suddenly turned “agitated” and started making “erratic statements.” He then attempted to flee the scene of the crash, forcing officers to give chase, Police Chief Michel Moore said.
Anderson was quickly detained by several officers, who used “wrist locks and hobbling techniques,” according to the coroner’s office. Police said Anderson was also shocked with a Taser at least six times amid the struggle.
“They’re trying to George Floyd me,” Anderson said as an officer threatened to use a stun gun, which was deployed just seconds later while Anderson lay face down on the pavement.
Bodycam footage of the incident shows Anderson repeatedly calling out for help. At one point, an officer can be seen pressing his forearm on Anderson’s chest with an elbow in his neck.
“They’re trying to kill me,” Anderson yelled.
Anderson went into cardiac arrest almost immediately after he was detained, and died at a hospital a few hours later.
The coroner noted that his specific manner of death was undetermined.
Mayor Karen Bass said her thoughts were with Anderson’s friends and family “as I know the release of this report will cause them and many Angelenos great pain as they still mourn this loss.”
“The coroner raises questions that still must be answered and I await the result of the investigation already underway,” Bass said in a statement.
Anderson’s family has since filed a $50 million claim with the city, which is a legal requirement before filing a lawsuit. The claim alleges officers unreasonably used deadly force, failed to follow training and filed false police reports.