Newly released CCTV footage captured the final moments of a man “smothered” by ten police officers and medical personnel for 12 minutes.
28-year-old Irvo Otieno was placed in handcuffs and held at the ankles during the video that was recorded at Virginia ‘s Central State Hospital on 6 March.
The video shows officers pulling Mr Otieno into an admits room and forcing his to the ground, where they restrain him at 4.28pm.
Twelve minutes later, Mr Otieno is unresponsive after receiving chest compressions two minutes later.
The emergency services arrive at 5.48pm and the defibrillator machine seems to have been used before the medical technician drapes a sheet over him.
Seven Virginia sheriff’s deputy deputies were charged with murder, as well as three hospital workers.
His mother claimed that her son was treated worse than dogs by Mr Otieno.
Caroline Ouko stated: “These nine men, and one woman, murdered my son.”
His brother, Mr Otieno, described his death in a “tragic and senseless, inhumane nightmare”.
“Can anyone explain to me why my brother doesn’t live with us right now?” He asked, “Please explain to me why my brother isn’t here right now.”
“We are broken. “Our hearts are broken.”
His family described Mr Otieno as selfless and talented in hip-hop.
Mark Krudys is an attorney representing Mr Otieno’s relatives. He said that when they double the pressure, he gasps for air.
Every human being has the right to breathe freely. He was simply trying to breathe, that was all he was trying.
Two of the defendants were represented by lawyers who tried to stop the video from being released.
According to police, Mr Otieno was initially arrested after responding to a possible break-in call.
He was placed under an emergency custody order, which is used for mental illnesses.
According to Virginia’s prosecutor, Otieno was taken to the hospital by deputies.
Ann Cabell Baskervill, a lawyer, stated that instead of his death from asphyxia, “he was smothered and held down by at least seven people.”
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