In a highly controversial ruling, a jury has acquitted three Tacoma police officers of all criminal charges in the death of Manuel “Manny” Ellis, a Black man who died in police custody last year. The officers, Timothy Rankine, Christopher Burbank, and Matthew Collins, were found not guilty of charges ranging from manslaughter to second-degree murder. The verdict has sparked outrage and renewed calls for justice and police accountability.
Prosecutors had accused the officers of using excessive force on Ellis during his arrest, including punching him, applying pressure to his neck, and placing a hood over his head. Disturbing audio footage captured Ellis pleading for his life, saying he couldn’t breathe, echoing the tragic words of George Floyd.
The timing of Ellis’ death, just three months before Floyd’s murder, further magnifies the national conversation on police brutality and systemic racism. Both cases involve Black men who were subjected to excessive force and suffocated under the weight of law enforcement.
Following the verdict, Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson expressed sympathy for the Ellis family, acknowledging their pain and loss. Family members described Ellis as a loving father and a talented musician, emphasizing that his encounter with the officers began peacefully and respectfully.
Eyewitnesses testified that Officer Burbank abruptly opened the car door, striking Ellis from behind and causing him to fall to his knees. Prosecutors presented videos, including doorbell camera footage and dispatch radio recordings, which captured the subsequent events. They claimed that Officer Burbank lifted Ellis off the ground and forcefully slammed him onto the pavement, while Officer Collins joined in by applying his weight to restrain him.
According to prosecutors, Officer Rankine, who arrived as backup, also participated in restraining Ellis, disregarding his pleas for breath. When Ellis said he couldn’t breathe, Officer Rankine allegedly responded callously, stating that if he could speak, he could breathe. The situation escalated when a spit hood was placed over Ellis’ head, and he was left hogtied on his stomach for several minutes until the arrival of the Fire Department. Tragically, Ellis was pronounced dead at the scene.
Prosecutors highlighted contradictions in the officers’ account, as witnesses did not support their claims that Ellis had hit their police car. They presented audio and video evidence from multiple sources, which showed Officer Collins punching Ellis and using a dangerous neck restraint. The medical examiner’s report ruled Ellis’ death a homicide, attributing it to oxygen deprivation caused by physical restraint, methamphetamine intoxication, and underlying heart disease.
The acquittal of these officers has further ignited public outrage and reignited the debate on police reform and accountability. Many are calling for a thorough review of the justice system and demanding that steps be taken to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The fight for justice continues for Manuel Ellis and countless other victims of police violence.,
Three Tacoma police officers have been cleared of any wrongdoing in the death of a black man. On March 3, 2021, Manuel Ellis died while being restrained by the officers during an arrest. After a thorough investigation, the Pierce County Prosecutor’s Office concluded that the officers’ actions were justified and that they did not contribute to Ellis’ death. The decision not to press charges against the officers has sparked protests and calls for justice from community members. The case highlights the ongoing debate surrounding police use of force and the need for police reform to prevent similar incidents in the future.
