3 Washington State Officers Charged In Death Of Manuel Ellis

Manuel Ellis, a black man, died in police custody on March 3, 2020. Washington State's Attorney General charged officers Christopher Burbank and Matthew Collins with second-degree murder and Timothy Rankin with first-degree manslaughter. Ellis was tasered, handcuffed, and had a spit hood placed over his head, leading to his death. Witnesses reported seeing officers attack Ellis and apply pressure to his back. The medical examiner ruled the death a homicide, citing lack of oxygen, an enlarged heart, and methamphetamines as contributing factors. The Tacoma Police Union claimed the charges were politically motivated and ignored facts.

How did witnesses describe the actions of Burbank and Collins?

What was the Tacoma Police Union's response to the charges?