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Public Safety

San Diego Medical Examiner Says Border Death A Homicide

San Diego Medical Examiner Says Border Death A Homicide
San Diego's medical examiner says the death of a 42-year-old man tasered by federal border agents is a homicide. San Diego immigrants rights activists and the government of Mexico want a thorough investigation.

San Diego's medical examiner says the death of a 42-year-old man tasered by federal border agents is a homicide. San Diego immigrants rights activists and the government of Mexico want a thorough investigation.

Federal border agents Tasered Anastasio Hernandez last Friday at the San Ysidro crossing.

Federal officials say he was out of control as they prepared to send him back to Tijuana.

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Hernandez was declared brain dead and died of cardiac arrest on Monday.

Andrea Guerrero with the American Civil Liberties Union says questions remain.

"There have been a number of incidents over the years along the border, and very rarely do we know what the outcome of those incidents are. It's critical that this investigation be transparent," says Guerrero.

The medical examiner says hypertension and methamphetamine abuse contributed to Hernandez's death.

Guerrero says even if he did take methamphetamine, it doesn't justify agents' excessive force.

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His cousin, who is the family's spokeswoman, says he did not abuse drugs.

San Diego Medical Examiner Says Border Death A Homicide
San Diego's medical examiner says the death of a 42-year-old man tasered by federal border agents is a homicide. San Diego immigrants rights activists and the government of Mexico want a thorough investigation.

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