KTLA News: "Coroner's inquest into LAPD officer use of force and the death of Larry Morris" (1980)

Description:

The KTLA newsfilm collection at the UCLA Film & Television Archive consists of cut and unedited stories, outtakes and fill footage, originally shot on 16mm reversal film stock with magnetic soundtrack. Some footage, particularly material not used for broadcast, may be without sound.

Title: “Coroner's inquest into LAPD officer use of force and the death of Larry Morris” Date: October 21, 1980.

Summary: On June 17, 1980, Black Los Angeles resident Larry Morris died after struggling with two Los Angeles Police Department officers in the bathroom of his apartment. The death of Morris generated extensive controversy within the Black community of Los Angeles. In this clip, from inside the Criminal Courts building, KTLA reporter Schuyler Sprouse covers the coroner’s inquest for Larry Morris’s death. The inquest will determine whether Morris’s death was accidental or criminal asphyxiation by two LAPD officers. Los Angeles Deputy County Coroner Sharon Schnittker details bruising on Morris’s body and possible causes, and demonstrates how a chokehold is supposed to work. Schnittker further describes the encounter between Morris and the two officers, and reveals that Morris had heart disease that may have contributed to his death. Officer Arthur Wagner is questioned, but his attorney advises him not to answer questions. Sprouse interviews Leon Gilbert, the attorney for Morris’s widow, about the purpose of the inquest and whether or not the verdict can be used in future civil or criminal proceedings. Includes shots of Judge Frederick Lacey, the jury and people observing the proceedings. Some footage lacks sound.

© The Regents of the University of California

Complete Record: The KTLA newsfilm collection at the UCLA Film & Television Archive consists of cut and unedited stories, outtakes and fill footage, originally shot on 16mm reversal film stock with magnetic soundtrack. Some footage, particularly material not used for broadcast, may be without sound. Title: “Coroner's inquest into LAPD officer use of force and the death of Larry Morris” Date: October 21, 1980. Summary: On June 17, 1980, Black Los Angeles resident Larry Morris died after struggling with two Los Angeles Police Department officers in the bathroom of his apartment. The death of Morris generated extensive controversy within the Black community of Los Angeles. In this clip, from inside the Criminal Courts building, KTLA reporter Schuyler Sprouse covers the coroner’s inquest for Larry Morris’s death. The inquest will determine whether Morris’s death was accidental or criminal asphyxiation by two LAPD officers. Los Angeles Deputy County Coroner Sharon Schnittker details bruising on Morris’s body and possible causes, and demonstrates how a chokehold is supposed to work. Schnittker further describes the encounter between Morris and the two officers, and reveals that Morris had heart disease that may have contributed to his death. Officer Arthur Wagner is questioned, but his attorney advises him not to answer questions. Sprouse interviews Leon Gilbert, the attorney for Morris’s widow, about the purpose of the inquest and whether or not the verdict can be used in future civil or criminal proceedings. Includes shots of Judge Frederick Lacey, the jury and people observing the proceedings. Some footage lacks sound. © The Regents of the University of California