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Attorneys for three Washington officers accused of killing a Black man during a March 2020 arrest are arguing that the victim died because of drugs and not excessive force, per the Atlanta Black Star.
Manuel Ellis, 33, died on March 3, 2020 after an encounter with police in Tacoma where he was shocked, shocked, hogtied, and had a spit mask placed over his head. Police said they approached Ellis because he harassed a woman on the street, but according to witnesses, officers came up to him unprovoked.
Officers Christopher Burbank, 38, and Matthew Collins, 40, are facing trial on charges of second-degree murder and first-degree manslaughter in connection to the incident. A third officer, Timothy Rankine, 34, was also charged with manslaughter.
Their defense attorneys argue that Ellis died due to drug use. Burbank’s lawyer, Wayne Fricke, claimed Ellis was addicted to methamphetamine, which spurred violent and paranoid behavior during the 2020 arrest.
“This is a situation where he created his own death,” Fricke said during the trial. “It was his behavior that forced the officers to use force against him because he created a situation that required them to act.”
“No one wanted him to die, but ultimately he died, and that’s sad,” the attorney added. “We don’t compound that tragedy by convicting innocent people of these charges.”
Ellis' family was previously awarded $4 million by the Pierce County Council after a medical examiner ruled his death a homicide. According to the medical examiner's office, physical restraint and the spit mask were major contributors to Ellis’ death. Methamphetamine intoxication and heart disease were cited as lesser contributing factors.
Closing arguments in the trial were expected to be heard on Wednesday (December 13).
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