CANTON, Ohio — The Stark County Coroner's Office has ruled the death of Frank Tyson a homicide after conducting an autopsy.
Chief Investigator Harry Campbell confirmed details with 3News relating to Tyson's death while in the custody of Canton officers. Campbell said the autopsy showed two causes of death listed below:
- Cardio Pulmonary Arrest in association with physical altercation and prone restraint.
- Ischemic Cardio Vascular Disease and acute intoxication by cocaine and ethanol.
The autopsy also lists obesity as a "significant condition" in Tyson's death. 3News has reviewed a copy of the death certificate.
The encounter occurred on April 18 when two officers responded to an AMVETS Post on Sherrick Road Southeast in Canton Township. Police say Tyson ran there after crashing his car near the eastern limits of the city of Canton. The video shows officers struggling to arrest Tyson before one of the officers restrains him by placing his knee on the back of Tyson's upper body. Tyson is heard on the video repeatedly saying, "I can't breathe."
The department identified the officers involved as Beau Schoenegge and Camden Burch of the traffic bureau. Both were placed on paid administrative leave, per department policy, with the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation currently conducting an inquiry of the case.
Authorities initially acknowledged the incident last Friday, April 19, saying officers responded to a report of a one-vehicle crash in the 1700 block of Sherrick Road Southeast around 8:15 p.m. Officers observed a power pole in the roadway that had been sheared in the wreck and found the vehicle nearby before being directed to the AMVETS, where Tyson was located.
In that release, police stated that Tyson struggled with the officers before they secured him, and that the officers noticed he was unresponsive "shortly after securing him in handcuffs." After performing CPR and administering multiple doses of Narcan, Tyson was later pronounced dead at an area hospital.
On Monday, WKYC anchor and managing editor Russ Mitchell spoke with civil rights attorney Bobby DiCello, who is representing Tyson's family as the investigation into his death continues. He says the latest developments have reopened old wounds for Tyson's loved ones, and renewed a request for Police Chief John Gabbard to meet with them.
"We are eager to work with the city to resolve this problem and to give real insight into how the city's law enforcement can do better," DiCello said. "Northeast Ohio needs better law enforcement out of the city of Canton. ... We remain committed to ensuring that that happens and that justice for Frank Tyson ultimately is achieved."
As for Gabbard himself, DiCello claims he and Tyson's family have "heard absolutely nothing from him." He also referenced the 2023 fatal Canton police shooting of Zachary Fornash, whose family DiCello also represents.
"We have never heard, despite our requests, any response from the chief of police," DiCello added. "We're disheartened by that, but we continue to ask, and today even ask again: Let's have a conversation about these cases."
Hecor McDaniel, the NAACP's Stark County Branch President released the following statement:
"While a potential federal investigation looms, the Stark County Branch of the NAACP remains committed to the local fight for accountability and change. Make no mistake - this is not the first time that Canton's Black community has been impacted by police related deaths. We are tired of waiting for answers. Frank's family deserves to hear from our local leaders on how they will address this profound loss. No one is above the law, especially not those who are supposed to enforce it."
3News reached out to the Canton Police Department for comment, but did not get a response.
Previous Reporting:
- Rev. Al Sharpton gives eulogy at funeral for Frank E. Tyson, man who died in Canton police custody
- 'We seek justice and accountability': NAACP calls for federal investigation into death of Frank Tyson in Canton police custody
- Frank Tyson's family claims he was wrongfully imprisoned prior to death. 3News Investigates looks into the case
- Bodycam video shows Frank E. Tyson telling Canton officers 'I can't breathe' moments before death in police custody