On positional asphyxia and death in custody

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We were, however, disappointed to see the authors inappropriately elevate a case series to a causal relationship2,3 by accepting a now thoroughly defunct theory, one that was even retracted by its author while testifying at trial.4 Specifically, Krexi states, ‘Restraint, especially in the face down position, leads to significant reduction in lung function’. In support of this position, she cites a 15-year-old case series by O’Halloran. The results lead many to believe that position-induced reductions in lung function are accepted fact.5 They are not. O’Halloran’s case series was not a research study but rather a collection of partly complete case reports, useful for hypothesis generating but probative of nothing.

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Mark_Kroll/publication/338397335_Sudden_Cardiac_Death_From_Stress/links/5e1262d6a6fdcc2837599ef8/Sudden-Cardiac-Death-From-Stress.pdf