Mesa police custody death ruled homicide by medical examiner

The Maricopa County Medical Examiner's Office ruled the death of Eric Baker, 52, a homicide after he died in Mesa police custody in April. The ruling indicates his death resulted from another person's actions but does not determine if a crime occurred. Baker was stopped by police for riding a bicycle without a working headlight, then arrested on an outstanding felony warrant after resisting. Witness video showed officers striking him and using a Taser, with Baker pleading he could not breathe before being hospitalized and dying. Baker's family filed a $2 million notice of claim against the City of Mesa, and his attorney said they were shocked by the ruling. Mesa Police's Critical Incident Review Board is reviewing the incident.