Man's death after fight with police ruled homicide

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — The death of a man whom police shocked with a stun gun during a violent confrontation has been ruled a homicide.

The state medical examiner's office says 26-year old Matthew Russo died from "cardiac arrest during a physical struggle with prone positioning and chest compression."

The office says his death was linked to an enlarged heart.

Police and paramedics responded to Russo's home Aug. 7 for a medical-related disturbance. Officials said Russo weighed around 500 pounds and had a history of violent behavior.

Authorities say a police officer shocked Russo with a stun gun but it had no effect. A paramedic then gave Russo a sedative. He developed problems breathing and was pronounced dead at a hospital.

State police are investigating at the request of Hartford police.