LULAC calls for accountability in Xavier Hernandez death
EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Thursday, the League of United Latin American Citizens called for accountability surrounding the death of Xavier Guadalupe Hernandez.
Hernandez died after an encounter with El Paso law enforcement in July last year.
The El Paso County Medical Examiner classified Hernandez’ death as homicide by asphyxia due to chest compression during law enforcement restraint.
His mother said she’s still seeking answers, accountability, transparency and justice for her son.
“Xavier was a taxpayer, Xavier was a citizen, Xavier was a human being. You’ve seen this video, the word horrified is not enough to define what transpired,” Angelica Lujan said.
In January, Hernandez’ family filed a federal civil rights lawsuit alleging excessive force by El Paso police. Attorneys for the family announced the lawsuit during a press conference, saying 30-year-old Hernandez had a mental health crisis when police responded to a highway overpass in El Paso.
Bodycam footage of Hernandez’ encounter with El Paso police on I-10 near Yarbrough. (Courtesy: EPPD)
At that time, police said Hernandez became uncooperative and resisted officers’ commands.
According to police, Hernandez became unresponsive while being restrained. Officers then initiated CPR and Hernandez was transported to Del Sol Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead despite efforts to revive him.
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