Murder trial involving 3 WA police officers moves forward with testimonies

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Five weeks into the trial against three Tacoma, Washington, police officers charged in the death of Manny Ellis and prosecutors will build upon their case by questioning some of Ellis’ closest allies in court Tuesday.

On Monday, Cedric Armstrong, the man who ran the sober-living home where Ellis lived, said he was happy earlier on the night he died, adding, "he didn't seem like he was off in any way."

Also Monday, a lieutenant with the Pierce County Sheriff's Office acknowledged that his agency failed to find or collect witness cellphone videos before ending their investigation into Ellis' death.

MANUEL ELLIS, A BLACK MAN WHO DIED DURING A POLICE CONFRONTATION IN WA, WAS NOT A THREAT, EYEWITNESS SAYS

This photo shows Tacoma Police Officer Timothy Rankine listening during the trial for the murder of Manny Ellis in Pierce County Superior Court Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2023, in Tacoma, Washington. ((Ellen M. Banner/The Seattle Times via AP, Pool))

MEDICAL EXPERT SAYS MANUEL ELLIS DIED FROM OXYGEN DEPRIVATION AS TACOMA POLICE RESTRAINED HIM

The videos and witness statements are critical pieces of evidence in the case. They show Ellis with his hands up in a surrender position as the officers shoot a Taser at his chest and wrap an arm around his neck. The officers later told investigators that Ellis attacked them and was violent, something not shown in the videos or seen by witnesses.

Ellis died March 3, 2020, after repeatedly telling officers he could not breathe while they applied pressure as he lay prone on the pavement. The Pierce County medical examiner ruled Ellis’ death a homicide caused by oxygen deprivation from physical restraint. Lawyers for the officers blame the death on a high level of methamphetamine in Ellis’ system combined with a heart irregularity.

3 TACOMA POLICE OFFICERS PLEAD NOT GUILTY TO MURDER, MANSLAUGHTER CHARGES IN DEATH OF BLACK MAN

Officers Matthew Collins, 40, Christopher Burbank, 38, and Timothy Rankine, 34, are all on trial for second-degree manslaughter. Collins and Burbank also are charged with second-degree murder. All three have pleaded not guilty, are free on bail and remain on paid leave by the Tacoma Police Department.

The trial is scheduled to resume Tuesday morning in Pierce County Superior Court, when a substance abuse counselor who treated Ellis is expected to testify.