A Texas medical examiner ruled the in-custody death of Marvin Scott III a homicide on Wednesday (April 28). Collin County Medical Examiner Dr. William Rohr said Scott died as a result of “fatal acute stress response in an individual with previously diagnosed schizophrenia during restraint struggle with law enforcement,” according to a news release reported by CNN.
Scott, 26, died in March after he was restrained to a bed, pepper-sprayed, and had a spit hood placed over his face at the Collin County Detention Facility.
Seven officers were fired and another resigned after Scott’s death. Collin County Sheriff Jim Skinner said Scott had been arrested for possession of less than two ounces of marijuana at a news conference last month.
Scott’s family reportedly saw the video of their loved one’s death on Wednesday (April 28) and are calling for the officers involved to be arrested.
“What we saw today was horrific, inhumane, very disheartening,” Scotts mother, LaSandra Scott said during a press conference, WFAA reported. “We want these individuals arrested immediately.”
The Texas Rangers are conducting an investigation of Marvin’s death and Sheriff Skinner said his office is also investigating the fatal incident.
One of the officers fired from the facility successfully appealed their termination and was reinstated, though Sheriff Skinner said he “disagreed” with the officer’s reinstatement and would be exploring other options. WFAA reported that five other officers are currently going through the appeals process, too.
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