Defense expert blames George Floyd's death on heart trouble

In this image from police body cam video, a Minneapolis police officer approaches George Floyd with a gun drawn, on May 25, 2020, outside Cup Foods in Minneapolis, as it is shown Wednesday, March 31, 2021, in the trial of former Minneapolis police Officer Derek Chauvin, in Floyd’s death, at the Hennepin County Courthouse in Minneapolis. (Court TV via AP, Pool)

By AMY FORLITI, STEVE KARNOWSKI and TAMMY WEBBER Associated Press
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A defense expert says George Floyd died from a sudden heart rhythm problem due to his heart disease while being restrained by police officers, not because former Officer Derek Chauvin kept his knee on Floyd’s neck.

Dr. David Fowler is the former chief medical examiner for the state of Maryland. He testified Wednesday that the fentanyl and methamphetamine in Floyd’s system, and potential carbon monoxide poisoning from exposure to vehicle exhaust, also were contributing factors.

Earlier, the judge in Chauvin’s murder trial denied a defense motion to acquit the former police officer.