If you don’t know the name of Manuel Ellis, you should.
George Floyd’s death shines a light on the case of Ellis, 33, who died nearly three months before while in police custody. Tacoma Mayor Victoria Woodards is calling for the four officers involved in Ellis’s case to be “fired and prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”
“I am demanding tonight that the Pierce County sheriff review and confirm every action taken by each officer. I demand that the sheriff provide details of the actions of each officer on the scene,” Mayor Victoria Woodards said in a statement that aired on television Thursday night. “And I am then directing the city manager to fire each officer involved.”
On March 3, around 11:30 p.m. Tacoma, Washington police officers allege they witnessed Ellis “struggling” to walk at the intersection of 96th Street and South Ainsworth Avenue. According to Pierce County sheriff’s detective Ed Troyer, officers took Ellis into custody after he allegedly assaulted them. Officers gave statements that they did not use excessive force or put their knee into Ellis’ neck.
According to Q13 Fox, Mayor Woodards said a video circulating on Twitter contradicts their story, as well as an autopsy report that was released this week that classified Ellis’ death as a homicide. The Pierce County Medical Examiner’s report found he suffered respiratory arrest due to the style of restraint used by Tacoma police officers on March 3.
Methamphetamine intoxication and heart disease also contributed. Ellis was a drummer and left behind two children. His family said he struggled with addiction and mental health. However, his struggles do not change the narrative of why or how he died.
Ellis, like Floyd, was killed in what happens far too common amongst African American men at the hands of police brutality. All four officers involved in Ellis’ death have been placed on administrative leave. Tacoma Police chief Don Ramsdell assured the public that the department is “committed to the investigative process and the integrity of the findings.”
“I would also like to recognize the compassion and empathy our community has shown during this difficult time. We hear your anger, frustrations, and hopes. I want you to know we continue to be committed to engaging with you on topics of safety, community policing, and race so that all people feel safe in Tacoma,” he added.
Attorney James Bible will represent the family and called on the state Attorney General’s office to see to the investigation. Bible says the Sheriff’s Office investigation into Tacoma Police Department handling of Ellis’ risk conflicts of interests. “They work hand in hand, and they share investigative power of the same area, and they work with the same Pierce County Prosecutor,” said Bible.
NPR reports, Woodard vows to ensure a detailed, independent investigation.
“To my community of African Americans,” she said Thursday, “to my entire Tacoma community, to the Ellis family and to every other family who has been affected by this racism and by police brutality, I say this to you: I’m going to stand with you.”
