Jury to Decide Fate of Officers Charged in Death of Black Man After Defense Argues Drug Use Caused Incident

Three Washington state police officers charged in the 2020 death of a Black man appeared in court Tuesday, where lawyers argued that his death was the result of drug use, not excessive force.

During closing arguments in the officers’ nine-week trial on murder and manslaughter charges, defense attorney Wayne Fricke argued that Manuel Ellis had created his own death due to his drug addiction. Fricke, who represents Tacoma police Officer Christopher Burbank, said Ellis was addicted to methamphetamine, which caused him to be violent, unpredictable, and paranoid.

“It was his behavior that forced the officers to use force against him because he created a situation that required them to act,” Fricke said.

The officers are accused of using excessive force against Ellis, including choking, shocking, and holding him facedown. The incident occurred in March 2020, and Ellis died shortly after.

Tacoma Mayor Victoria Woodards has called for the officers involved in Ellis’ death to be fired. Woodards said in a statement that the officers’ actions were “unacceptable and inconsistent with the values of the Tacoma Police Department.”

The jury is expected to reach a verdict in the case soon. The officers could face up to life in prison if convicted.