Throughout the trial of the three cops accused of killing Manny Ellis during a traffic stop, the defense has relentlessly claimed that Ellis died as a result of the methamphetamine in his system. However, this week, several expert testimonies introduced doubt into that argument.
Prior to this, authorities had stated that Ellis had an enlarged heart due to the presence of meth in his system at the time of the incident. However, the experts testified that the actions of Officers Matthew Collins, Christopher Burbank, and Timothy Rankine were the primary factors contributing to his death.
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One of the officers’ attorneys responded to this testimony, suggesting that Ellis had brought about his own demise by resisting arrest.
Expert #2: Forensic Audio Analyst
David Hallimore, a forensic audio analyst and retired police officer with 37 years of experience, testified this week regarding the videos and transcripts from the incident’s footage. According to Hallimore, Ellis repeatedly told the officers, while being restrained, that he couldn’t breathe.
The defense attempted to dispute Hallimore’s testimony by questioning whether witnesses or even the officers themselves could have heard the phrase “I can’t breathe.” The Tacoma News Tribune reported that the officers had informed detectives that they didn’t hear any signs of distress but instead heard growling and “animal-like noises” before Ellis stopped breathing.
The three officers are now facing first-degree manslaughter charges for failing to intervene when Ellis cried out for help. Collins and Burbank are also facing an additional second-degree murder charge for unlawful detainment and assault.
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