2nd police officer acquitted in death of Elijah McClain, who was put in a neck hold, given ketamine

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Elijah McClain’s mother, Sheneen McClain, was seen wiping away tears as the not guilty verdict was announced for a second police officer implicated in her son’s death in 2019.

This outcome follows a sequence of trials where two out of three officers tried have been exonerated, leaving advocates for police reform and the McClain family continuing their quest for accountability. The incident, involving the 23-year-old African American man who died after being restrained in a neck hold and administered an excessive dose of ketamine by police, sparked a national conversation about racial disparities in law enforcement.

Officer Nathan Woodyard of Aurora, the officer who applied the neck restraint on McClain, was cleared of homicide and manslaughter charges by a jury after a trial lasting several weeks. Woodyard faced the possibility of a lengthy prison sentence if found guilty.

Sheneen McClain was present during the announcement of the verdict, symbolically raising her fist as she exited, much like she did following the previous month’s trial of two other officers. She chose not to make a statement at the time, though her sentiment was echoed by MiDian Holmes, an activist and ally, who labeled the jury’s decision as a disappointing indication that systemic changes within the justice system remain elusive.

Holmes remarked on the ongoing struggle, suggesting that Sheneen McClain’s sorrow would be transformed into a continued effort for change and justice.

In contrast to the acquitted officers, a third officer had been convicted on lesser charges in an earlier trial, and two emergency medical technicians are scheduled to be tried later. After his acquittal, Woodyard refrained from commenting, while his defense attorney Megan Downing affirmed their belief in the jury’s decision.

Attorney General Phil Weiser of Colorado reaffirmed the state’s commitment to pursuing justice for Elijah McClain, acknowledging the perseverance of Sheneen McClain in honoring her son’s memory.

Woodyard, who testified in his defense, argued that he used the neck hold on McClain because he felt his life was in jeopardy, citing McClain’s comments and another officer’s claim that McClain had reached for his gun.

While Woodyard’s defense argued that he was absent during the critical moments of McClain’s deteriorating condition, body camera evidence showed Woodyard disengaging for a part of the altercation.

The tragic case gained significant attention in the wake of George Floyd’s death in 2020, with McClain’s own words from the body camera footage resonating with many. Initially, no charges were brought due to an inconclusive autopsy report, but following a reinvestigation ordered by Governor Jared Polis and indictments by a grand jury, the case moved forward legally.

The deaths of McClain, Floyd, and others have spurred legislative action to limit neck restraints in several states and to adjust protocols for the administration of ketamine.

On the evening of August 24, 2019, McClain, who was wearing a ski mask and listening to music, was forcefully detained by police without any criminal accusation against him. The situation escalated when officers perceived a threat after claiming McClain attempted to grab one of their guns, an action not evident in the bodycam footage.

The use of the carotid control hold by Woodyard, a maneuver that cuts off blood flow to the brain to induce unconsciousness, was legal at the time but has since been outlawed in Colorado.

After McClain was subdued, paramedics injected him with ketamine, following which he suffered cardiac arrest and subsequently died days later in the hospital.

While Roedema, another officer involved, was convicted of minor charges earlier, the cases against all the officers highlighted discussions about culpability, with defense teams in both trials suggesting the responsibility lay partly with McClain or the paramedics.

In a civil suit, the city of Aurora settled with McClain’s family for $15 million in 2021, one of the largest settlements at the time.

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More about Elijah McClain Verdict

• Elijah McClain Case Overview
• Police Reform Actions Post-McClain’s Death
• Colorado Attorney General’s Statement
• Legal Insights on Police Acquittals
• Details on Aurora’s Settlement
• Impact of George Floyd’s Death on McClain’s Case