3-months into 2021 and we already have a reminder of why protests errupted over the world chanting “Black Lives Matter.”
The death of 26-year old Marvin David Smith III has raised eyebrows across the country after his arrest for cannabis turned into his last day on earth.
Marvin was arrested outside of an outlet mall in Texas after mall security guards reported smelling weed smoke in the vicinity. Police were called and he was arrested and charged with possession of less than two ounces of marijuana.
Another situation where “I smell smoke” leads to death.
He would later be brought to Collin County Detention Facility, where he spent his last hours.
According to Localprofile.com:
Detention officers tried to secure him to a restraint bed. They used pepper spray and put a spit mask over his face. While being put on the restraint bed, he became unresponsive. He was immediately rushed to Baylor Scott & White in McKinney where he was pronounced dead. Texas Rangers are still investigating.
The Collin County Sheriff Jim Skinner said that Scott “exhibited some strange behavior” and detention officers placed him on a restraint bed, used pepper spray and placed a spit mask on his face. But he became non responsive and an ambulance was called and was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Skinner placed a captain, a lieutenant, two sergeants and three detention officers on administrative leave.
His family say that he was diagnosed schizophrenia.
An independent autopsy has been conducted.
At a press conference last Tuesday, Marvin’s family brought forensic pathologist Dr. Amy Gruszcki to explain the results of the autopsy.
“So the physical struggle of the restraint, as well as the possible asphyxiation from the restraint would likely be causes of his death,” Gruszcki said. “And a negative autopsy — meaning no injuries, no blunt-force trauma — is consistent with that.”
Attorney for the family, Lee Merritt and Scott’s family are requesting the arrest of all seven detention officers who were placed on administrative leave.