Paramedics convicted of criminally negligent homicide in the death of Elijah McClain
Two Aurora paramedics were convicted of criminally negligent homicide on Friday in the case of Elijah McClain, who died in 2019 after being put in a neck hold by police and injected with a deadly dose of ketamine. Paramedic Peter Cichuniec was found guilty of criminally negligent homicide and second-degree assault by drugging, while paramedic Jeremy Cooper was found guilty of criminally negligent homicide. Both paramedics were acquitted of some assault charges.
The jury’s decision has resulted in mixed reactions, with McClain’s mother, Sheneen, expressing relief and Attorney General Phil Weiser stating that justice was served for Elijah McClain and his family. However, Chief Alec Oughton of Aurora Fire Rescue expressed concern over the guilty verdicts, stating that the paramedics were following their training and protocols at the time of the incident.
The case has drawn attention to the actions of emergency personnel in cases involving police custody, with criminologist Alex Piquero noting that the outcome could set a precedent for future situations.
The conviction of the paramedics comes after the conviction of one police officer and the acquittal of two others involved in McClain’s death. The incident prompted widespread protests and led to reforms within the Aurora Police Department and changes to state law and police training regarding the use of ketamine.
The paramedics, who have been terminated by Aurora Fire Rescue, have drawn both support and criticism following the verdict, with defense attorneys arguing that they were following proper training and protocols, while prosecutors maintain that they failed to properly assess, monitor, and treat McClain.
The emotional case has stirred debate over systemic failures of racism and policing in Colorado, with the defense arguing that the paramedics were caught in a larger systemic issue and prosecutors emphasizing the lack of remorse and accountability shown by the paramedics.
The verdict marks the end of a long and complex legal battle over Elijah McClain’s death, but the impact of the case is likely to have a lasting effect on future emergency responses and law enforcement practices in similar situations.
