EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — An autopsy report released by the El Paso County Medical Examiner’s Office shows that a 58-year-old man died as a result of positional asphyxia while he was in El Paso police custody last month.
Man who died while in El Paso police custody identified
The autopsy report states that 58-year-old Paul Dominguez’s cause of death was ruled as positional asphyxia during law enforcement subdual and restraint, and the contributing conditions were methamphetamine toxicity, hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with the manner of death ruled as a homicide.
The autopsy also states that Dominguez was displaying signs of “erratic behavior” and revealed that he was obese, had a heavy heart, and had multiple blunt injuries to his body. His blood toxicology revealed that he had amphetamine (Adderall), methamphetamine, and naloxone (Narcan) in his system.
TABC investigates after man dies in police custody in West El Paso
El Paso police released a statement on Wednesday, Jan. 21, addressing the autopsy findings. That statement is the following:
“The El Paso Police Department (EPPD) is aware of the autopsy findings released by the El Paso County Medical Examiner’s Office regarding the December 28, 2025, death of Paul Dominguez. We understand that incidents like this are deeply concerning; the department remains committed to a transparent and thorough examination of the facts.”
“The El Paso Police Department acknowledges the community’s concerns and remains committed to sharing information as it becomes available. In the interest of preserving the integrity of these ongoing investigations, no further details can be released at this time. We appreciate the public’s patience and will provide updates as the process moves forward.”
The Police Department also added that there are currently three separate investigations underway, conducted by EPPD’s Crimes Against Persons unit, the Texas Rangers, and EPPD’s Internal Affairs Division. The findings of these investigations will be submitted to the El Paso County DA’s Office.
El Paso police have noted in the past that the term “homicide” is used as a medical term in an autopsy report to describe the death caused by another person, and highlights that the term is not a legal finding and does not imply criminal conduct.
According to the CDC, methamphetamine (referred to as meth, ice, speed, crystal, and other terms) is a highly addictive central nervous system stimulant that can be smoked, snorted, injected, or orally ingested.
Adderall is also a stimulant that can be used to treat ADHD and other disorders, but it can also be misused, according to the CDC.
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