‘I saw my son die several times’: Xavier Hernandez’ mom sees unreleased body camera video

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- An El Paso woman viewed new body-camera video of her son's death following an encounter with El Paso law enforcement. He was 30 years old.

The El Paso County Medical Examiner classified Xavier Hernandez' death as homicide by asphyxia due to chest compression during law enforcement restraint.

Monday, officials with Justice4Xavier said Angie Lujan saw unreleased video after an Oct. 2 agreement with the District Attorney’s Office to get her access. She watched the video during a private session.

“I saw my son die several times today,” Lujan said.

Texas Government Code permits a prosecutor to allow qualifying victims or family members to privately view video evidence of a crime resulting in death. The recording isn't publicly released.

Police say Xavier Hernandez became uncooperative and resisted officers’ commands. A taser deployment was ineffective, and an assisting off-duty officer and a witness helped restrain him due to his combative behavior, police said. According to police, Hernandez became unresponsive while being restrained. Officers then initiated CPR and Hernandez was transported to Del Sol Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

His family raised concerns about the use of force, restraint procedures and the circumstances surrounding his death. His family and his supporters are pushing for transparency and accountability. The family also filed a federal civil rights lawsuit Monday alleging excessive force by El Paso police officers during the encounter.

In October, the movement went to the state capitol in Austin to call for police reform and greater oversight. District Attorney James Montoya confirmed Xavier Hernandez' case will go before a grand jury.