Taser Autopsy: Death of Ron Petruney Was 'Accidental'

Ron Petruney was a 49-year old man in Washington County (PA) who needed help. Instead Sgt. Charles Mutich and Sgt. Robert Lemons electrocuted him with 50,000 volts from their taser guns three or four times on November 17, 2009. Ron Petruney died four days later.

His family was told by a jury of six that Petruney's death was of natural causes and the police officers use of taser guns were not a factor in his death. [VIDEO]

It is totally unbelievable to think that being tased four times "is not a factor" in this man's death.

Dr. Abdulrezak Shakir, of the Allegheny County Medical Examiner's Office, testified that Petruney's medical history included epilepsy and depression.

Shakir said the autopsy report showed that Petruney had a pre-existing heart condition and likely died because of stress on his heart, not the effects of the four jolts (50,000 volts each) from the police taser gun.

It appears that this coroner's inquest was designed to justify the police actions rather than seek truth and justice. Why else would the jury be allowed to hear testimony that Petruney had several run-ins with police in the years before his death. What possible relevance is that information to the facts of his death?

Police have defended their actions, saying Petruney had mental health problems and had bitten an officer in the past. Sgt. Charles Mutich and Sgt. Robert Lemons won’t face any criminal charges in this taser-related electrocution.

Petruney's family is upset at the ruling and I hope that they file a civil suit to get to the truth and justice of this case.

Does anyone know race (or national origin) of the dead man?