Cause of death released for BLM co-founder’s cousin shocked repeatedly with Taser

LOS ANGELES — A teacher who was repeatedly tasered by Los Angeles police died of an enlarged heart and cocaine use, according to an autopsy report released Friday.

The death of 31-year-old Keenan Darnell Anderson on January 3 sparked an outcry over the use of force by the Los Angeles Police Department. It was one of three deadly LAPD confrontations, including two shootings, that happened just days after the start of the New Year.

The exact manner of Anderson’s death has not been established, but the cause was listed as “effects of cardiomyopathy and cocaine use” and his death was “determined hours after restraint and use of energy devices.” Coroner’s report called.

Family attorney Carl Douglas did not immediately respond to an email from The Associated Press Friday night seeking comment on the report.

Anderson was a high school English teacher in Washington, DC and a cousin of Black Lives Matter co-founder Patrisse Cullors.

He was visiting family in Los Angeles when he was stopped on suspicion of causing a hit-and-run traffic accident in the Venice area, police said.

According to a police report, an officer found Anderson “running in the middle of the street and exhibiting erratic behavior.”

Anderson initially obeyed officers when they investigated whether he was under the influence of drugs or alcohol, but then fled, Police Commissioner Michel Moore said.

Police pursued Anderson and he was shocked with a taser at least six times during an altercation when he resisted arrest, police said.

“They’re trying to turn me into George Floyd,” Anderson said when an officer threatened to use a stun gun, which was used repeatedly seconds later as Anderson lay face down on the sidewalk begging for help, saying: “I’m not resisting.”

Anderson cried out for help after being restrained and repeatedly shocked by officers on the street Police body camera footage published by the LAPD. The footage also showed an officer pressing his forearm on Anderson’s chest and an elbow on his neck.

“You’re trying to kill me,” Anderson yelled.

After being subdued, Anderson went into cardiac arrest and died in a hospital about four hours later.

have his relatives filed a lawsuit for $50 million This is required by law before filing a lawsuit. The lawsuit alleges that the officers unreasonably used deadly force, failed to follow training and filed false police reports.