According to an autopsy report release by Sedgwick County Monday afternoon, the cause of death of a 17 year old boy in the Juvenile Intake and Assessment Center (JIAC) has been ruled a homicide.

The autopsy listed the cause of death of Cedric “CJ” Lofton as “[complications of] cardiopulmonary arrest sustained after handcuffs applied while restrained in the prone position” during a physical struggle that happened at the facility on Sept. 24th. Lofton also suffered brain injury, acute kidney failure, and acute respiratory failure.

The Corrections employees involved have been placed on paid administrative leave while the District Attorney investigates.

Lofton was taken into custody in the early morning hours on Sept. 24th following an incident with his foster parents where he was reportedly behaving aggressively and erratically. He was then transported to a behavioral health unit of a local hospital. While in custody, Lofton reportedly assaulted one or more of the officers around him, and he was taken to the JIAC around 2:45 a.m. The WRAP system and handcuffs were then removed by officers.

Around 4:20 a.m., Lofton was allowed to exit his cell. A few minutes later, two JIAC staff members grabbed Lofton’s arms. Lofton was able to free his right arm and subsequently punched a staff member in the head. Staff struggled with Lofton but eventually subdued and restrained him with additional assistance.

Lofton’s ankles were shackled and he was rolled to a prone position. He continue to struggle, and handcuffs were applied more than 45 minutes after Lofton exited his cell. Staff members were unable to locate a pulse for Lofton at 5:12 a.m. Staff then began chest compressions and called for rescue personnel.

Community leaders and activists called for greater transparency into the investigation. Lofton’s parents have also demanded access to video of the incident.

Following the autopsy report, Lofton’s family released the following statement:

“This confirms our belief that Sedgwick County personnel at the Juvenile Intake and Assessment Center in Wichita killed Cedric. As supported by the video evidence, these individuals unjustifiably and with excessive and unreasonable force pinned Cedric to the ground, ultimately killing the unarmed, 135-pound, 17-year-old African American teenager. Cedric’s family anxiously awaits the findings of the criminal investigation and believes the Sedgwick County District Attorney should pursue criminal charges against the law enforcement personnel responsible for Cedric’s death. Cedric’s death was caused by the hands of the very authorities that were obligated to protect him and make sure he was safe. Instead, they killed him with conscious disregard for the young life in their keeping.”