I would assume that if the guy was gagging and sufferring after the choke was released, and throughout the process of cuffing him and getting him into the car, driving him to the station, processing him, etc.. it'd be known.
Meanwhile, you're overall argument is one of completely non-reality.
The truth of our society, like it or not, is that once you get a dirty record, you're going to be treated differently. Ask any judge, official, officer, etc.
So you're asking the impossible question of "did this man DESERVE to die". Well, no. Did the police TRY to kill him? The answer, also, is no. However, the latter you won't admit.