Three Tacoma police officers have been acquitted in the killing of Manuel Ellis, who died on March 3, 2020, after repeatedly telling police at least five times that he couldn’t breathe. Officers Matthew Collins, Christopher “Shane” Burbank, and Timothy Rankine were on trial for first-degree manslaughter, with Collins and Burbank also facing second-degree murder charges. This trial was the first courtroom test of Washington’s new voter-approved police accountability law and the largest single trial against law enforcement for an in-custody death since 1938.
During this historic trial, the state’s initiative 940, intended to create more accountability for police, was put to the test. The verdict of not guilty for the officers has sparked a variety of reactions. State Sen. John Lovick emphasized the need to respect the decision of the jury and called for learning how to make the criminal justice system safer. On the other hand, Leslie Cushman, founder of the Washington Coalition for Police Accountability, expressed disappointment and stated that the officers should have been held accountable for their actions.
As the trial concludes, the focus has shifted to what is next for the officers. The officers had been on paid leave since mid-2020, but the Tacoma Police Department has yet to address why they have been retained pending the outcome of the trial. There is uncertainty about the discipline the officers might face, as an internal investigation cleared two other officers who were investigated for their roles in Ellis’ death. Additionally, payroll records show that the officers have received about $1.5 million in salary during the three years they have been on leave, raising the question of potential liabilities for the city.
The verdict has been met with mixed emotions and has intensified the conversation around police accountability, raising concerns about the impact of this decision on the future of police culture and use of excessive force. Through this trial, the community and lawmakers are re-evaluating the effectiveness of police accountability laws and the necessity for reform. The acquittal has sparked a call for a more comprehensive approach to addressing police violence and ensuring justice for victims like Manuel Ellis.