- 25-year-old Christian Black died from positional asphyxia after prolonged restraint
- Coroner ruled death a homicide; 10 staff members placed on administrative leave
- Surveillance footage shows 9-minute delay in CPR after Black lost consciousness
Newly released jail footage reveals disturbing details in the March 26 custody death of Christian Black, a 25-year-old Ohio man detained for alleged auto theft. The Montgomery County Coroner’s Office confirmed positional asphyxia as the primary cause of death – a preventable condition caused by improper restraint techniques that restrict breathing.
Law enforcement agencies nationwide continue grappling with restraint chair safety protocols despite a 22% increase in positional asphyxia cases since 2019 according to Prison Policy Initiative data. Central Ohio specifically reported 17 restraint-related custody deaths between 2020-2023, per state correctional records.
The incident video shows nine deputies restraining Black for 14 minutes before medical intervention began. Legal experts note this violates Ohio’s 2022 Custody Care Standards requiring immediate vital sign checks after physical altercations. “This wasn’t protocol failure – it was human failure,” emphasized civil rights attorney Michael Wright.
Montgomery County’s $4.3 million annual liability insurance costs highlight systemic issues – three similar lawsuits settled since 2021. Proposed reforms include mandatory BOLA restraint training and dual officer certification in crisis intervention. As investigations continue, Black’s family advocates for Christian’s Law, legislation mandating body cameras in all Ohio jail medical units.