Gay Pride Homo-cide
Autopsy and toxicology results have been released in relation to Steve Hirschfield, the male who was recently killed by San Diego Harbour Police shortly after they rescued him from the water. They reveal that the 37 year old died from a gunshot wound to his back. His blood showed traces of methamphetamine, doxylamine and ketamine.
According to officials, Hirschfield, a dancer on a gay pride cruise, jumped overboard the chartered vessel around 11pm on July 20. When police attempted to pull him out of the water, Hirschfield allegedly refused, resulting in a scuffle between him and the officers.
The officers involved, Wayne Schmidt and Clyde Williams, claim that Hirschfield was shot by Williams after Hirschfield attempted to grab Schmidt’s gun.
In her autopsy report, medical examiner Bethann Schaber wrote “Based on these findings and the history and circumstances of the death as currently known, the [deceased] died of a perforating gunshot wound of his right chest cavity. The cause of death is listed as gunshot wound of chest. The manner of death is classified as homicide.”
Hirschfield’s parents are seeking to claim A$23.2 million in damages from the police department and the officers involved. They have accused the officer of killing Hirschfield without legal justification.
The Hirschfield’s attorney, Brian Claypool, said the autopsy report suggests Hirschfield was shot at close range and the officer could have used a stun gun or baton instead.
John Gilmore, spokesperson for the department said that action on these claims “will be taken soon” and added the officers involved have returned to work but are on administrative duties.
Photos: 1. Dancer Steve Hirschfield on left, 2: on right.
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