Victim’s Death During Restraint Leads to Manslaughter Charges Amid “I Can’t Breathe” Pleas
Seven California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers and a nurse have been charged with involuntary manslaughter over the 2020 death of Edward Bronstein, who repeatedly told officers, “I can’t breathe,” while being restrained during a blood draw.
Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced the charges, stating that the officers had a legal duty to care for Bronstein while he was in custody but acted with criminal negligence, leading to his death. Bronstein, 38, was arrested on 31 March 2020, following a traffic stop. The LA County coroner attributed his death to “acute methamphetamine intoxication during restraint by law enforcement.”
The incident occurred less than two months before George Floyd’s death in Minneapolis, which also involved the victim’s pleas of “I can’t breathe.”
A court-ordered release of an 18-minute video last year showed the moments leading to Bronstein’s death, sparking public outrage. Six CHP officers, one sergeant, and the nurse involved now face charges, including one count each of involuntary manslaughter. The officers also face felony charges of assault under the colour of authority. If convicted, each could face up to four years in prison.
The nurse, who was present to assist with the blood draw, is also charged with involuntary manslaughter. An arraignment date has not yet been set.
