Findings from an independent autopsy commissioned by George Floyd’s family ruled that the 46-year-old died of asphyxiation due to neck and back compression, leading to the conclusion that his death was by homicide.

A week after Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin kneeled on Floyd’s neck, the victim’s family claimed that his death was a result of police brutality. Based on the independent autopsy, the medical examiner believes that Floyd’s death was a result of traumatic asphyxia or strangulation, which attributes to underlying health conditions.

The recent results differ from the official preliminary examination, which was carried out by the county medical examiner. While country officials agreed that his death was by homicide the explanation as to the cause of his death varied differently from the two autopsies. The Hennepin County Medical Examiner explained that, based on their report, Floyd suffered a “cardiac arrest” while being restrained. They listed other health conditions that attribute to his death, including fentanyl intoxication, methamphetamine, and heart disease.

On the other hand, the second autopsy, which was conducted by Dr. Michael Baden and Allecia Wilson, concluded that the compression from Chauvin’s legs had cut off blood flow from Floyd’s brain and that the weight on the victim’s back had made it hard for him to breathe. The findings proved that Floyd died of “ traumatic asphyxia or strangulation” and not from cardiac arrest.

Dr. Baden had served as former chief medical examiner of New York City and had also conducted the autopsy of Eric Garner, an African-American man who had died during a police encounter. Garner’s death has sparked the Black Lives Matter movement.

Both Floyd and Garner pleaded the words “I can’t breathe” while being held under police custody. Ultimately, the victim’s death led to Chauvin’s arrest as violent riots swept across U.S. states. From Boston to California, an angry mob of rioters broke store windows, looted local businesses, targeted innocent civilians, and had burned down buildings, including the 3rd Precinct in Minneapolis where Chauvin had worked. Currently, more than 75 cities witnessed violent protests.

In an official statement, Floyd’s attorney, Benjamin Crump told reporters that, “Beyond doubt, he would be alive today if not for the pressure applied to his neck by officer Derek Chauvin and the strain on his body by two other officers.” He also denied county officials’ findings saying that Floyd was a healthy man.

The lawyer claimed that Floyd’s family understood the growing anger and resentment towards the police force, and has the right to do so. However, the family denounced the violence and deemed it as “unacceptable.”

Instead, Floyd’s family asked the community to “take a breath” for justice, peace, and for the country. Most importantly, they reminded Americans to take a breath for George Floyd.

Finally, Crump demanded justice for Floyd, and that the police officer should be held accountable for his actions. “For Chauvin to leave his knee on George’s neck despite warnings and evidence that his life was in danger—and to continue that course for many minutes — demands a first-degree murder charge.”

“The ambulance was his hearse,” Crump somberly concluded his statement.