The recent acquittals of three Tacoma police officers in the 2020 death of Manuel Ellis, a Black man who died after being shocked, beaten, and restrained face-down, have cast a critical spotlight on Washington state’s police accountability law. The law, known as Initiative 940 (I-940), was enacted in 2018 with the aim of enhancing police accountability and facilitating the prosecution of officers accused of wrongfully using deadly force.
“Acquittals in Manuel Ellis’ Death Shine Light on Washington State’s Police Accountability Law”
Initiative 940 brought significant changes to the legal landscape, eliminating the requirement that prosecutors prove an officer acted with actual malice to bring a case. This was a unique requirement, not found in any other state. The law also mandated independent investigations after instances of deadly force resulting in death or great bodily harm, among other provisions.
The trial of the three Tacoma officers—Matthew Collins, Christopher Burbank, and Timothy Rankine—marked the first under the provisions of Initiative 940. Despite the law’s intentions, the trial ended in acquittal on various murder and manslaughter charges, leaving many questioning the efficacy of the legislation.
Matthew Ericksen, a lawyer representing the Ellis family, expressed dissatisfaction with the outcome of the trial, stating that Initiative 940 failed in certain aspects. He pointed out that one of the key reforms the law aimed to bring was the assurance of completely independent investigations into in-custody deaths, like that of Mr. Ellis. However, in this case, Ericksen argued that such independence did not materialize, and there have been no apparent consequences for this violation of the law.
One notable flaw highlighted in the trial was the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office’s mishandling of the initial probe into Ellis’ death. The office failed to disclose for three months that one of its deputies had been involved in restraining Ellis, a clear violation of the state law mandating independent investigations. The Washington State Patrol eventually took over the investigation, and the Attorney General’s Office conducted its review based on the evidence gathered by the patrol, as well as its own additional investigation, before charging the officers.
The acquittals come at a time when discussions about police accountability, particularly in cases involving excessive use of force against Black individuals, are at the forefront of public discourse. The verdict has ignited debates about the effectiveness of police reform measures and the need for more robust accountability mechanisms within law enforcement.
As the legal aftermath unfolds, Washington state’s Initiative 940 faces scrutiny, prompting a reevaluation of its impact on ensuring justice and accountability in cases involving police use of deadly force. The tragic death of Manuel Ellis underscores the ongoing challenges in achieving meaningful police reform and accountability in the pursuit of justice for victims and their families.
