Frank Tranquilino, 31

El Monte, California
October 24, 2001

Cause of death: Choking


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Last updated: almost 6 years ago

Overview

 
 
 
 
The Los Angeles County coroner's office has ruled the death of a man in the custody of El Monte police in October a homicide.

Frank Tranquilino, 31, died Oct. 24 after police said he fought with several officers, then lost consciousness after he had been handcuffed.

Tranquilino was walking in the 3300 block of Maxson Road when he attracted the attention of police, who suspected he was carrying narcotics. He sprinted down the street and climbed over several chain-link fences before being grabbed by an officer, police said.

At the time of Tranquilino's death, El Monte's then-police chief, Bill Ankeny, said that police had used a control hold to restrain the man.

Legal Action

October 2001 Lawsuit filed