Defense expert says Derek Chauvin did not cause George Floyd’s death as cross-examination grows tense

Fowler testified that other contributing factors to Floyd’s death included the traces of fentanyl and methamphetamine in his blood system, as well as possible “carbon monoxide poisoning” from the exhaust fumes of the police vehicle outside Cup Foods.

Fowler is being sued over a “chillingly similar” case in Maryland, where video footage showed officers struggling with Anton Black before pinning him down. Black died, Fowler deemed Black’s death an accident, and no officers were charged in his death.

Fowler’s testimony came after a motion for Chauvin’s acquittal was denied by Judge Peter Cahill, who heard attorney Eric J. Nelson’s argument that the prosecution has “failed to provide sufficient evidence.”