Compiled by The Seattle Medium Staff
In a controversial verdict that has sent shockwaves through the community, a jury acquitted three Tacoma police officers today in the case of Manuel “Manny” Ellis, a 33-year-old Black man who died in March 2020 following a physical altercation with the officers. The jury found Matthew Collins, 40, Christopher “Shane” Burbank, 38, and Timothy Rankine, 34, not guilty on all counts after more than three months of deliberation and two restarts.
Ellis, an unarmed Black man, died on March 3, 2020, after being restrained, beaten, tased, and placed in a spit mask by the officers. The cause of death, as determined by the Pierce County Medical Examiner’s Office, was respiratory arrest due to hypoxia caused by physical restraint. The incident unfolded when Ellis was stopped by police while walking home from a 7-Eleven with snacks.
Prosecutors alleged that the officers forcibly confronted Ellis, knocking him to the ground, tasing him multiple times, and restraining him with a spit hood over his head. The defense argued that Ellis died from a lethal amount of methamphetamine in his system and heart complications, claiming that the officers’ use of force was necessary due to the chaotic situation.
The trial involved more than two months of testimony from various witnesses, including video and medical experts, Ellis’ family, and the accused officers. Video footage of the incident shows Ellis with his hands up in a surrender position before being tased and restrained by the officers.
Despite the medical examiner ruling Ellis’ death a homicide due to oxygen deprivation caused by physical restraint, defense attorneys presented evidence of Ellis’ history of drug addiction and mental health issues to justify their clients’ actions.
During the trial, attorneys for the defendants presented evidence of Ellis’ history of drug addiction and mental health issues as their main defense, claiming that the use of force was justified and that Ellis’ use of methamphetamine “caused him to be violent, unpredictable, and paranoid.”
The jury’s decision has ignited a wave of emotions within the community, with expressions of anger, distrust, and sorrow. The case drew parallels to other high-profile incidents involving Black individuals, with Ellis, like George Floyd, uttering the chilling words, “I can’t breathe.”
In response to the verdict, Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson expressed gratitude to the jury and court staff, acknowledging the pain felt by the Ellis family.
“I know the Ellis family is hurting, and my heart goes out to them,” said Ferguson.
Gov. Jay Inslee urged respect for the judicial system while recognizing the need for continued societal improvement.
“Regardless of how people feel about today’s verdict, everyone should remember this case began when the Ellis family experienced a profound loss that was not properly investigated,” said Inslee in a statement after the verdict.
Tacoma Mayor Victoria Woodards released a heartfelt statement, acknowledging the pain experienced by the Ellis family and the community. She affirmed the city’s commitment to just and transparent public safety and expressed support for ongoing efforts within the Tacoma Police Department to reform and connect with the community.
“No words are adequate for this moment, and any statement is sure to disappoint,” said Woodards. “While words may be inadequate, I’ve worked hard to gather my thoughts. His death creates a hole that cannot and will not be filled, and the waves of grief have impacted our entire community, but we know you hurt the most.”
In addition, the ACLU of Washington issued a statement calling the verdict devastating, emphasizing the need for accountability and demanding policies to reduce police violence. The Tacoma Police Department also released a statement acknowledging the potential exacerbation of pain caused by Ellis’ death, committing to ongoing efforts for just and transparent public safety.
The City of Tacoma emphasized its dedication to accountability and transformation, providing an overview of initiatives implemented to improve public safety, enhance police accountability, and foster community trust. Acknowledging the widespread pain caused by the incident, city leaders committed to continued efforts to create a more just and transparent model of public safety.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of the trial, emotions remain raw, and questions about the future of policing and accountability loom large. The internal investigation within the Tacoma Police Department continues, with Chief Avery Moore expected to make disciplinary decisions within the next 14 days.
While no criminal trial can bring Manny Ellis back, the greater Tacoma community and its leaders plan to engage in ongoing conversations and actions towards improving police accountability and confidence in the judicial system by all communities.
“As your Mayor, I share the depth of emotion that many of you are experiencing right now,” said Woodards. “As we individually and collectively grapple with our response to today’s verdict, I know this is not the moment to share our past actions or list our future plans to fix our systems. And let me be very clear, this is bigger than just the systems the City controls alone. But what I want you to know is that I personally commit – along with every member of your City Council, our City Manager, and our Police Chief – to a just, transparent, and safer Tacoma for all our residents. And I stand with you, beside you, in front of you, and behind you as you advocate for the changes that need to be made.”
“These are not just words. This commitment is real, and it has been and will continue to be backed by action. We still have much to navigate, but I know if we work together, we can be the city where everyone feels safe, respected, and cared for. We will use this moment in Tacoma’s history to guide and inform our change, and we WILL NOT… We WILL NOT forget the life of Manuel Ellis,” Woodards concluded.
This is a developing story that will be updated as necessary.