Paramedics Found Guilty in Death of Elijah McClain
Two Colorado paramedics have been found guilty of criminally negligent homicide in the death of Elijah McClain, a young Black man who died after being stopped by police and injected with a sedative. The convictions come after a trial that saw one police officer acquitted and another found guilty of criminally negligent homicide.
Background of the Case
The trial of paramedics Jeremy Cooper, 49, and Peter Cichuniec, 51, is the final trial related to the death of Elijah McClain. McClain was stopped by police in 2019 after a bystander reported him as suspicious. The first trial ended with one police officer found guilty and another acquitted. The second trial resulted in the acquittal of a third officer. McClain was not alleged to have committed any crime when he was stopped.
Elijah McClain's mother, Sheneen McClain, expressed disappointment with the outcome of the trials, stating that "three out of five convictions are not justice." She sees the convictions as a small acknowledgment of accountability in the justice system.
Convictions and Sentencing
In addition to being found guilty of criminally negligent homicide, both paramedics were also convicted of assault in the second degree. Peter Cichuniec was found guilty of assault for administering the sedative that contributed to McClain's death. The paramedics could face up to three years in prison for the homicides.
Judge Mark Warner ordered that Cichuniec be taken into custody immediately, while Cooper remains free on bond until his sentencing on March 1.
Calls for Further Accountability
Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser emphasized that the work towards accountability must continue even after the convictions. He stated that there is much more that needs to be done to prevent the deaths of innocent people at the hands of police and first responders.
"Elijah did nothing wrong. His life mattered. He should be with us here today," Weiser said, highlighting the need for systemic change and reform.
