Uncertainty persists over substances in Myles Gray’s system, toxicologist testifies

A toxicologist took the stand at the public hearing into the 2015 police-involved death of Myles Gray.

A toxicologist testifying at a Police Complaint Commissioner public hearing into the 2015 officer‑involved death of Myles Gray says there is still some uncertainty into which substances were in Gray’s system at the time he died.

Initial toxicology reports flagged mitragynine — a psychoactive compound found in the kratom plant — but Dr. Aaron Shapiro testified that his follow‑up analysis in 2023 contradicted that early result found by his predecessor.

“Based on my follow-up assessment, I determined there weren’t sufficient criteria to make that determination,” said Shapiro.

Shapiro explained how mitragynine can act as a stimulant in low doses and exhibit more opioid or morphine‑like effects at high doses. But he repeated evidence given at the 2023 coroner’s inquest, noting the original finding was not supported by later testing.

He also told the hearing that tests suggested the anabolic steroid trenbolone may have been present. Still, he emphasized how difficult it is to confirm steroids.

“Steroids are very difficult to test for because they exist in small quantities. They may be naturally present in the body or mimic compounds that are. And there are many with very similar structures, so definitively identifying a specific one is very difficult,” Shapiro said.

Traces of cannabis were detected, though Shapiro said it is impossible to determine when Gray last used it because the drug can remain in the body for weeks. No alcohol or psychedelics — including LSD or psilocybin — were found.

Gray died in August 2015 after police responded to a disturbance call and a violent struggle followed between Gray and several officers. Seven officers are accused of using unnecessary force.

A forensic pathologist is scheduled to testify Monday.