Jury Delivers Not Guilty Verdict for Aurora Police Officer in Elijah McClain’s Death

A Denver-area jury has delivered a not guilty verdict for Aurora Police Officer Nathan Woodyard in the 2019 death of Elijah McClain, a 23-year-old Black man. The verdict was announced Monday in a weeks-long trial in state district court.

Woodyard was charged with manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide after an encounter with McClain, who was walking home from a convenience store at night, led to his death. The jury found Woodyard not guilty of both charges.

McClain’s death received little attention until protests over the 2020 killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis sparked renewed outrage. McClain’s pleading words captured on police body camera video, “I’m an introvert and I’m different,” struck a chord with many.

Woodyard is one of three Aurora police officers and two paramedics charged in McClain’s death. Last month, the trial against the two other officers resulted in a split verdict.

McClain’s death has sparked a wave of protests across the country, with many calling for justice for the young man. The verdict in Woodyard’s trial is likely to further fuel the protests.

The outcome of the case has been closely watched by many in the community, and the verdict is sure to be met with both disappointment and relief. The jury’s decision brings the case to a close, but the impact of McClain’s death will continue to be felt for years to come.