A look back at LVMPD in-custody deaths

A look back at LVMPD in-custody deaths, one currently is under investigation.

DEATHS.... IN THEIR CUSTODY.IN 20-17...TASHII FARMER DIED.....AFTER A METRO OFFICER.....PUT HIM IN A CHOKEHOLD....OUTSIDE THE VENETIAN.THE OFFICER....KENNETH LOPERA WASORIGINALLY....CHARGED IN THE CASE.BUT....THE D-A DIDN'T PROCEED WITH THECASE AND HE WAS CLEARED.AUTHORITIES SAY....WHILE THE OFFICER DIDN'T FOLLOWPOLICY...THEY DO NOT BELIEVE....HE HAD ANY INTENT....TO KILL FARMER.THEY ALSO SAID...THERE WAS NO PROBABLECAUSE.....THAT THE CHOKEHOLD.....ACTUALLY CAUSED THE DEATH..AND... MOST RECENTLY....-50- YEAR-OLD....BYRON LEE WILLIAMS DIED....IN METRO CUSTODY....LAST SEPTEMBER.WILLIAMS TOLD POLICE...HE COULDN'T BREATHE....A TOTAL OF -17- TIMES.OFFICERS SAYS....WILLIAMS WAS RIDING A BIKE...WITHOUT LIGHTS.HE RAN AND OFFICERS CUFFEDHIM.IT WAS RULED....HIS DEATH WAS CAUSED BY METHINTOXICATION...A HEART CONDITION...AND...PRONE RESTRAINT...WHICH IS HOLDING SOMEONE TO THEGROUND.REPORTS FROM METRO'S FORCEINVESTIGATION TEAM AND OFFICEOF INTERNAL OVERSIGHT....ARE STILL PENDING.THE D-A SAYS....CRIMIINAL PROSECUTION IN THECASE WAS NOT APPROPRIATE.NEW TONIGHT...THE LAS VEGAS METROPOLITANPOLICE DEPARTMENT...