Overview

• An independent audit of 87 in-custody deaths from 2003 to 2019 found that 36 cases were misclassified and should have been ruled homicides.
• The audit identified patterns suggesting racial and pro-police bias in death investigations, validating long-standing concerns from families and experts.
• Nearly half of the disputed cases cited 'excited delirium,' a discredited medical concept, as a cause of death.
• Gov. Wes Moore has directed the Attorney General to review and potentially reopen cases, with support from Maryland State Police and local prosecutors.
• A state task force has been established to improve death investigation practices, with a follow-up audit planned in five years to ensure accountability.