Maryland conducts audit revealing systemic misclassification of deaths under former chief medical examiner

A groundbreaking audit of Maryland's Office of Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) has revealed alarming patterns in the classification of deaths during police restraint, igniting calls for reform in the state's handling of in-custody fatalities. The audit, initiated in response to controversial testimony by former chief medical examiner Dr. David Fowler during the Derek Chauvin trial, found that 41 out of 87 reviewed cases were misclassified, with many deaths that should have been labeled as homicides instead categorized as undetermined or accidental.

The audit was prompted by widespread criticism from over 450 medical professionals who challenged Dr. Fowler's assertion that George Floyd's death was due to factors like heart disease and drug use, rather than asphyxia from police restraint. This outcry led to a comprehensive review of deaths occurring in law enforcement custody from 2003 to 2019, revealing a significant bias in OCME's classification process, particularly affecting Black individuals.

Attorney General Anthony Brown emphasized the importance of accurate death classifications, stating that they are crucial for providing families with truthful answers and ensuring proper legal accountability. The findings have spurred immediate action, including the establishment of a Maryland task force to improve investigations into in-custody deaths and a commitment to align OCME practices with national standards.

Governor Wes Moore's executive order mandates a thorough review of the audit's recommendations, aiming to restore public confidence in the system. Maryland is now positioned as a leader in addressing these critical issues, being the first state to conduct such an audit and respond with comprehensive reforms. The implications of this audit could reshape how in-custody deaths are investigated and classified, marking a significant step towards accountability and transparency in law enforcement practices.