EL PASO, TEXAS (KFOX14/CBS4) — The El Paso County Medical Examiner has officially ruled the death of 58-year-old Paul Dominguez as a homicide, citing “positional asphyxia” as the cause, according to an autopsy report obtained by KFOX14/CBS4.
According to the autopsy report, Dominguez died while being restrained by El Paso Police, with the manner in which he was held preventing him from breathing.
Although methamphetamine and underlying health issues were noted as contributing factors, the homicide ruling marks a development in the case.
Victor Weedn, a forensic pathologist, clarified the use of the term “homicide” in autopsy reports, stating it refers to “death at the hands of another.”
Weedn emphasized that this classification differs from legal definitions, which require intent to kill.
He explained, “We use homicide as part of a classification for public health.”
Julia Spencer reports on In-custody death in West El Paso ruled homicide by medical examiner (Credit: KFOX14)
Dominguez reportedly lost consciousness in the back of a patrol car after a struggle with officers after being taken into custody outside a bar in West El Paso last month.
According to a report, officers responded to a disturbance call on Dec. 28 and found an intoxicated man in the parking lot of Viceno’s Bar at 4907 Crossroads Blvd.
Police said the man resisted arrest but was eventually handcuffed and placed in a patrol unit.
While waiting for fire medical services, officers noticed the man had become unresponsive.
They removed him from the vehicle and began CPR until medics arrived and transported him to Sierra Providence Transmountain, where he was pronounced dead.
Weedn noted that positional asphyxia indicates insufficient oxygen intake, but he also highlighted the role of metabolic acidosis in police restraint deaths, where the inability to expel carbon dioxide leads to cardiac arrest.
Dominguez’s family spoke with KFOX14/CBS4 in December following his death.
Dominguez was remembered by his family as a lively and energetic person. “He was always the life of the party,” they said. “He was a very excitable person, hyper excitable, and he would do anything for anyone.”
According to his family, Dominguez had struggled with bipolar disorder since he was a teenager.
The Texas Rangers and Internal Affairs are currently investigating the incident to determine the exact circumstances surrounding his death.
The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission has previously said it has opened an investigation into this incident.
On Wednesday, the El Paso Police Department released a statement reminding the community that, besides the Texas Rangers and Internal Affairs investigations, EPPD’s Crimes Against Persons unit is looking into the death.
EPPD said that all three investigations are being conducted separately and at the same time and the results of them will be sent to the El Paso Cunty District Attorney’s Office.
Below is EPPD’s full statement:
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.To ensure accountability and an impartial review, three separate and parallel investigations are currently underway:- Criminal Investigation: Conducted by the EPPD Crimes Against Persons (CAP) Unit.- Independent Criminal Investigation: Conducted by the Texas Rangers.- Administrative Investigation: Conducted by the EPPD Internal Affairs Division to determine adherence to departmental policies and procedures.Upon the conclusion of these investigations, the findings will be submitted to the El Paso County District Attorney’s Office for review.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.
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