The state medical examiner’s office ruled the death of a 43-year-old man who died while being restrained by Haverhill police officers in July a homicide, prosecutors announced Friday.

Francis Gigliotti ‘s death was caused by a “cardiac dysrhythmia in a person with acute intoxication due to the combined effects of cocaine and ethanol while being restrained prone by police‚" the medical examiner’s office determined. His manner of death was homicide, the Essex County District Attorney’s office said.

A lawyer representing Gigliotti’s family said they were gratified by the medical examiner’s findings.

“If the police needlessly create a circumstance where they claim deadly force is necessary, they will not enjoy the shield of immunity from prosecution or civil remedies in the Commonwealth

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