Pierce County forensic investigator testifies in trial in the death of Manuel Ellis

Editor's note: This is a live, unedited feed. Viewer discretion is advised. died after a confrontation with Tacoma police officersSteven Mell, who works with the Pierce County Sheriff's Department, took photos of the intersection where Ellis, a 33-year-old Black man died in police custody in March 2020. He also took photos of Ellis' limbs, his clothing, and a spit mask that was placed over Ellis' face, which the Pierce County Medical Examiner said contributed to his death.

Forensic investigators are responsible for documenting the scene of crimes and collecting evidence, fingerprinting, preparing reports and providing expert testimony, among other responsibilities. 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.

The trial is expected to last between eight and 12 weeks. Jury deliberations are anticipated to begin Dec. 4.On March 3, 2020, Ellis was walking home when he stopped to speak with Tacoma Police Officers Burbank and Collins, who were in their patrol car, according toWitnesses said Ellis turned to walk away, but the officers got out of their car and knocked Ellis to his knees. All witnesses told investigators they did not see Ellis strike the officers.

Other responding officers told investigators that Burbank and Collins reported Ellis was “goin’ after a car” in the intersection and punched the patrol car's windows. shows officers repeatedly hitting Ellis. Collins put Ellis into a neck restraint, and Burbank tasered Ellis’ chest, according to prosecutors.Rankine, who was the first backup officer to arrive, applied pressure to Ellis' back and held him in place while Ellis was"hogtied" with a hobble, according to documents.The Pierce County Medical Examiner ruled Ellis' death a homicide.

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