In one of the largest settlements of its kind in the nation, the state of California has agreed to pay $24 million to the family of Edward Bronstein, who died in CHP custody in Altadena in 2020, according to the Associated Press. The city of Minneapolis paid $27 million in the George Floyd case.
Last month, Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón filed involuntary manslaughter charges against seven CHP officers and a nurse in connection with Bronstein’s death. He died in custody as the officers and the nurse were attempting to forcibly draw a blood sample as part of a DUI test. The incident was caught on videotape and Bronstein can be heard repeatedly screaming “I can’t breathe” before he goes limp.
The incident occurred two months before Floyd’s murder.
Gascón said CHP Sgt. Michael Little and CHP officers Dionisio Fiorella, Dusty Osmanson, Darren Parsons, Diego Romero, Justin Silva and Marciel Terry were all also charged with one felony count of assault under the color of authority.
“These officers had a legal duty to Mr. Bronstein,” Gascón said. “He was in their custody. We believe that they failed their duty, and their failure was criminally negligent, causing his death.”
The DA’s office also charged registered nurse Arbi Baghalian with involuntary manslaughter. Baghalian attended to Bronstein during the incident.
Bronstein’s father, Edward Tapia, said of the charges, “I’m glad it came to this point where they get prosecuted so they can’t hurt nobody else.” The family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the CHP.
He was not immediately available for comment on the settlement.
What the video shows
On March 31,…
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