Three police officers in Washington state have been acquitted of all charges related to the 2020 killing of a Black man, Manuel Ellis.
The officers, Christopher Burbank and Matthew Collins, were found not guilty of murder and manslaughter, while Timothy Rankine was acquitted of manslaughter after a 10-week trial.
The trial featured footage depicting the officers using force on Ellis, who was unarmed, leading to his death.
The defense argued Ellis died from methamphetamine and a pre-existing heart condition, alleging he posed a threat by kicking a police car door.
Critics claim the defense unfairly targeted Ellis’ past, influencing the jury.
