MURDERED INTROVERT

Colorado grand jury indicts officers, paramedics for death of Elijah McClain


Sept. 1 (UPI) -- A Colorado grand jury has indicted two police officers, a former officer and two paramedics in the 2019 death of Elijah McClain, prosecutors announced Wednesday.

Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser said the grand jury returned the 32-count indictment Thursday. The five men face one count each of manslaughter and criminal negligent homicide.

Aurora Fire Rescue paramedics Jeremy Cooper and Peter Cichuniec also face one count each of second-degree assault with intent to cause bodily injury and causing serious bodily injury; second-degree assault for recklessly causing serious bodily injury by means of a deadly weapon; and assault for a purpose other than lawful medical or therapeutic treatment internally using a stupor, unconsciousness, or other physical or mental impairment or injury.

Aurora police officer Randy Roedema and former officer Jason Rosenblatt each face one count of second-degree assault with intent to cause bodily injury and causing serious bodily injury and one count of a crime of violence related to the second-degree assault charge.

Aurora officer Woodyard faces only the manslaughter and negligent homicide charges.

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis last year designated Weiser as a special prosecutor in the case, granting him authority to criminally prosecute any individuals whose actions contributed to McClain's death in August 2019.

"Our department has the solemn duty to prosecute this case," Weiser said in a blog post announcing the indictment. "Make no mistake, we recognize that this case will be difficult to prosecute -- these types of cases always are. Our goal is to seek justice for Elijah McClain, for his family and friends, and for our state. In so doing, we advance the rule of law and the commitment that everyone is accountable and equal under the law."

Doctors took McClain, 23, off life support Aug. 30, 2019, about a week after police confronted him while he was walking down the street in Aurora while wearing a ski mask. His family told police he often wore the mask while outside due to his anemia.

Police said McClain, who was unarmed, initially refused to stop per their instructions. Police body camera footage shows him telling officers he was attempting to stop his music in order to hear them.

Officers tackled McClain to the ground and used a "carotid control hold" on him. He said he couldn't breathe and vomited multiple times during the encounter.

Paramedics who responded to the scene injected McClain with ketamine, a sedative, and he went into cardiac arrest en route to the hospital. Doctors declared him brain dead three days later.

The coroner said McClain's death was due to "undetermined causes," but didn't rule out the chokehold or use of ketamine as contributing factors.

Weiser said in addition to the criminal case, his office was investigating whether the city of Aurora, and its police and fire departments have a pattern of violating civil rights.

"By working to build trust in law enforcement and working to elevate what safe and effective policing looks like, we will advance public safety and honor the profession's commitment to serve all Coloradans fairly and responsibly," he said.