Dr. Kris Sperry and Dr. Geoffrey Alpert - Experts for Plaintiffs in Thompson v. City of Chicago, et al.
In Thompson v. City of Chicago, et al., the jury found in favor of the defendants and the Seventh Circuit recently affirmed the district court's rulings on certain motions in limine. (Case No. 04-3177). In that case, the plaintiff called the following expert witnesses:
Dr. KRIS SPERRY (forensic pathologist) - Chief Medical Examiner for the State of Georgia - who testified that the pressure applied to James Thompson's neck initiated a fatal heart arrhythmia. However, Dr. Sperry also conceded that Thompson's pre-existing heart disease and the presence of morphine in his blood also contributed to the fatal arrhythmia.
Dr. GEOFFREY ALPERT - professor of criminology at the University of South Carolina - who testified that the police officers were not authorized to use lethal force against Thompson under Chicago police procedures in place at the time. Rather than a choke hold, Alpert testified the officers could have used pepper spray, tackled Thompson, or used a baton below the waist.
Dr. KRIS SPERRY (forensic pathologist) - Chief Medical Examiner for the State of Georgia - who testified that the pressure applied to James Thompson's neck initiated a fatal heart arrhythmia. However, Dr. Sperry also conceded that Thompson's pre-existing heart disease and the presence of morphine in his blood also contributed to the fatal arrhythmia.
Dr. GEOFFREY ALPERT - professor of criminology at the University of South Carolina - who testified that the police officers were not authorized to use lethal force against Thompson under Chicago police procedures in place at the time. Rather than a choke hold, Alpert testified the officers could have used pepper spray, tackled Thompson, or used a baton below the waist.
What forensic evidence is left on a body after a choke hold has been used?