NEW ORLEANS (AP) - The Latest on the death of a black suspect who struggled with white sheriff’s deputies in suburban New Orleans (all times local):
7:15 p.m.
More than 100 people have been marching in a New Orleans suburb in remembrance of a 22-year-old man whose death after a struggle with sheriff’s deputies has been classified as a homicide.
Monday night’s march happened after authorities in Jefferson Parish announced preliminary autopsy results indicating Keeven Robinson had signs of trauma from pressure on his neck and that he died of asphyxiation.
New Orleans media videos on social media showed marchers carrying signs. One read “Enough is Enough.” Another said “Justice for Keeven.”
Some marchers were heard singing “Amazing Grace.”
The sheriff’s office is investigating four deputies, with help from state police and the FBI.
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3:30 p.m.
The attorney for the family of a black suspect who died after a struggle with white sheriff’s deputies in suburban New Orleans says a march has been scheduled in his honor near the spot where the struggle happened.
Hester Hilliard joined family members of 22-year-old Keeven Robinson at a news conference Monday in Jefferson Parish. They say a march has been scheduled for Monday evening.
Jefferson’s coroner said Robinson died of asphyxiation and had signs of trauma from pressure on his neck. Sheriff Joe Lopinto said his office is investigating along with state police and the FBI Civil Rights Task Force.
Hilliard said the sheriff and coroner have acted with “professionalism and transparency.” However, she also said the family would like to see an agency other than the sheriff’s office lead the investigation.
Lopinto said the deputies were placed on administrative duty.
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12:30 p.m.
A Louisiana coroner says a black suspect who died in a struggle with white police officers last week died of asphyxiation and there was evidence of pressure on his neck.
Gerry Cvitanovich (sih-TAN’-uh-vich) is the coroner in Jefferson Parish, near New Orleans. He told reporters at a news conference Monday that 22-year-old Keeven Robinson’s death is classified as a homicide.
Sheriff Joe Lopinto said four deputies involved in the arrest have been read their rights and are cooperating in an investigation that also involves state police and the FBI.
Lopinto declined to identify the officers. He confirmed they are white. Robinson was black.
Lopinto said it was too early to conclude whether a choke hold was used. Lopinto said the question for investigators is whether plain-clothes narcotics officers used excessive force.
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