Defense expert found Floyd's manner of death to be undetermined, not homicide

The defense presented medical expert testimony Wednesday in the trial of Derek Chauvin, the fired Minneapolis police officer charged in George Floyd's death. Dr. David Fowler, a forensic pathologist and former Maryland chief medical examiner who reviewed Floyd's case for the defense, testified he believes Floyd died of a sudden cardiac arrhythmia due to his underlying heart disease during his restraint and subdual by police.

Fowler said contributing significant factors included Floyd's ingestion of fentanyl and methamphetamine, exposure to vehicle exhaust and possible carbon monoxide poisoning, and Floyd's paraganglioma, a tumor in his pelvis which in some cases secretes adrenaline. "All of those combined to cause Mr. Floyd's death," Fowler said.