Defense: Eric Garner

My client, Eric Garner, is a victim of a homicide caused by Officer Daniel Pantaleo. There is
video proof that my client was placed into a chokehold by Officer Pantaleo and tried to tell the officer,
multiple times, that he was unable to breathe. As a result of the chokehold, my client is not dead. The
medical examiner determined that the death was a homicide, when he pronounced the time of death of
Eric Garner. Also, chokeholds are not permitted by NYPD Policy. Therefore, Officer Pantaleo should be
charged with Second Degree Murder. He did not premeditate the killing, however the killing was caused
by Officer Pantaleos dangerous conduct and his obvious lack of concern for human life. Officer Pantaleo
intended to cause the victim, Eric Garner, bodily harm. He is guilty of Second Degree Murder.
My client, Eric Garner, is a victim of a homicide caused by Officer Daniel Pantaleo. Mr. Garner
was seen standing on a sidewalk, where many drug transactions have been known to take place. Mr.
Garner was also being monitored by the police, because he had a criminal, but mostly nonviolent, record.
Officer Pantaleo suspected that my client was guilty of selling illegal cigarettes, caught Mr. Garner in
action, and proceeded to arrest my client. While there was probable cause to arrest Mr. Garner, Officer
Pantaleo acted outside of his scope of power.
Mr. Garner was placed into a forbidden chokehold by Officer Pantaleo; there is video evidence to
attest to this fact. Chokeholds are not permitted by NYPD Policy, meaning that Officer Pantaleo abused
his power as a police officer. My client tried to tell the officer, multiple times, that he was unable to
breathe, as seen in the video. As a result of the chokehold, my client is now dead. The medical examiner
determined that the death was a homicide, when he pronounced the time of death of Mr. Garner.
Therefore, Officer Pantaleo should be charged with Second Degree Murder. He did not premeditate the
killing; however the killing was caused by Officer Pantaleos dangerous conduct and his obvious lack of
concern for human life. Officer Pantaleo intended to cause the victim, Mr. Garner, bodily harm.
Therefore, Officer Pantaleo is guilty of Second Degree Murder, and should be charged as such.