BRIGHTON, Colo. (AP) — A jury on Monday acquitted a Denver-area police officer of manslaughter, following trial testimony that he put Elijah McClain in a neck hold before the Black man was injected with the powerful sedative ketamine by paramedics and died.
A jury on Monday acquitted a Denver-area police officer of manslaughter, following trial testimony that he put Elijah McClain in a neck hold before the Black man was injected with the powerful sedative ketamine by paramedics and died.
It was the second of three trials against first responders indicted by state prosecutors in the 23-year-old massage therapist’s death in August 2021.
The local district attorney initially declined to bring charges but the case was revived after the 2020 murder of George Floyd spurred social justice protests nationwide.
Prosecutors contended Officer Nathan Woodyard’s actions including the neck hold contributed to McClain’s death. But defense attorneys convinced the 12-person jury that the officer wasn’t responsible, arguing that Woodyard was not present during crucial moments in the confrontation with McClain.
The first trial ended in a split verdict with one Aurora officer found guilty and another acquitted.
McClain’s mother, Sheneen McClain, left the courthouse Monday with a fist raised in the air. A supporter who accompanied her called the verdict “pathetic” and a sign that the justice system was not changing.
Paramedics Jeremy Cooper and Lt. Peter Cichuniec with the Aurora fire department face prosecution in the final trial. Jury selection begins Nov. 17.
Here’s what you need to know about the criminal trials:
WHY WERE THE OFFICERS AND PARAMEDICS CHARGED?
Local prosecutors initially decided not to bring charges in McClain’s death largely because an initial autopsy didn’t determine exactly how he died.
