In a verdict that reverberated through Tacoma and beyond, a jury acquitted three police officers on all charges related to the 2020 death of Manuel "Manny" Ellis, a Black man who died in custody. Officers Christopher Burbank, Matthew Collins, and Timothy Rankine faced charges ranging from second-degree murder to first-degree manslaughter, all of which were dismissed after a monthslong trial that captured the community's attention and raised serious questions about police conduct and accountability.

The case hinged on the tragic night of March 3, 2020, when Ellis, described as unarmed and not a threat to anyone, encountered the Tacoma police officers. According to court documents and witness testimony, a physical altercation ensued after officers attempted to arrest Ellis for allegedly trying to open car doors of occupied vehicles. Disturbingly, Ellis' repeated cries of "I can't breathe" were captured on police dispatch audio during the confrontation, a plea that has become a grim echo in cases of police custody deaths across the nation.

 

The defense argued that Ellis' death was not due to the officers' restraint but rather a result of a lethal amount of methamphetamine in his system and preexisting heart conditions. However, the Pierce County Medical Examiner's Office cited respiratory arrest due to hypoxia caused by physical restraint as the cause of death. Hypoxia, a condition where the body is deprived of adequate oxygen, was allegedly a direct result of the officers' actions, which included striking Ellis multiple times, applying a neck restraint, and failing to provide medical aid.

The acquittal of the officers sparked a mix of relief and despair in the courtroom, with the officers and their families expressing relief and gratitude, while Ellis' family and supporters were left grappling with a sense of injustice and grief. Matthew Ericksen, an attorney for the Ellis family, conveyed their devastation and vowed to continue seeking justice through a federal civil rights lawsuit against the City of Tacoma and six Tacoma Police Department (TPD) officers.

This case holds particular significance as it was the first in Washington state where officers were criminally charged for the unlawful use of deadly force by the Attorney General's Office following the adoption of Initiative 940 in November 2018. The initiative aimed to make it easier to prosecute police officers for negligent shootings, reflecting a growing demand for police accountability and transparency in the wake of nationwide protests against police brutality.

The not-guilty verdicts have done little to quell the community's concerns about policing practices. In response, the Tacoma Police Department announced an internal investigation into the three officers' conduct during their trial. The outcome of this investigation could lead to disciplinary actions, including potential termination.

The Ellis family's $4 million settlement agreement with Pierce County and the continued legal battles reflect the ongoing struggle for accountability and reform. As the city and its residents process the trial's outcome, the case of Manny Ellis remains a poignant reminder of the national conversation about race, justice, and the role of law enforcement in society.