Description
Judge Bryan Chushcoff denied the defense attorneys' motions to dismiss the case against three Tacoma police officers charged in the death of Manuel Ellis, which were submitted Wednesday morning.
The state also officially rested its case during the morning court session. Court resumes on Monday morning with the first defense witness.
Ellis, a 33-year-old Black man, died in police custody on the night of March 3, 2020.
The Pierce County Medical Examiner ruled Ellis’ death a homicide, saying the constellation of restraint methods used against Ellis by police was ultimately what killed him.
Officers Christopher Burbank and Matthew Collins are charged with second-degree murder and first-degree manslaughter. Officer Timothy Rankine is charged with first-degree manslaughter.
READ MORE: https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/death-of-manuel-ellis/state-expected-rest-case-trial-death-manuel-ellis-tacoma/281-56a11c20-7d1c-4df4-b90a-eccefae970ce