Medical examiner says chokehold by police officer caused death of NYC man; ruled homicide
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The medical examiner has ruled that the chokehold of a police officer on a New York City man last month caused his death.
Medical examiner spokeswoman Julie Bolcer said Friday that Eric Garner's July 17 death has been ruled a homicide.
Bolcer says his death was caused by "the compression of his chest and prone positioning during physical restraint by police." She says asthma and heart disease were contributing factors.
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Garner's videotaped confrontation with police has caused widespread outcry, and Attorney General Eric Holder has said the Justice Department is "closely monitoring" the investigation into his death.