2nd police officer acquitted in death of Elijah McClain, who was put in a neck hold, given ketamine [View all]

[Eugene]

Source: Associated Press

2nd police officer acquitted in death of Elijah McClain, who was put in a neck hold, given ketamine

BY COLLEEN SLEVIN AND MATTHEW BROWN
Updated 5:54 PM EST, November 6, 2023

BRIGHTON, Colo. (AP) — A second Denver-area police officer was acquitted Monday in the 2019 death of Elijah McClain, who was put in a neck hold and injected with ketamine after being stopped by police as he walked home from a convenience store.

The jury found Aurora officer Nathan Woodyard not guilty of homicide and manslaughter following a weekslong trial in state district court. He faced years in prison if convicted.

Defense lawyer Megan Downing said, “We believe it was the right verdict, not an easy one.” Woodyard declined to comment.

McClain’s mother, Sheneen McClain, who was in the courtroom, wiped tears from her eyes after the verdict was read.

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Read more: https://apnews.com/article/elijah-mcclain-death-officers-trial-2dc1c1e2597eed1306581517d45c6630