New video emerges of Manny Ellis' fatal interaction with Tacoma police
The family of a black man who was killed while being restrained by Tacoma police in March is sharing newly-discovered video of the incident.
The video provides greater detail into what happened that evening as Manuel Ellis can be heard saying to officers "I can't breathe, sir. I can't breathe" amid his cries.
WARNING: The following video includes the violent interaction between Tacoma police officers and Manuel Ellis, which led to his death.
James Bible, the attorney for Manuel Ellis' family says it's raising questions about the officers' actions.
“A clear sign that it wasn’t just a struggle for breath, but an attempt to still be respectful in your last moments of life," said James Bible, attorney for the family.
Tacoma police killed a Black man. Now his family demands answers
The 9 minute video was originally captured on a neighbor’s front door security camera. It was posted by Tacoma Action Collective. On it, Ellis can be heard calling officers "sir" and telling them he cannot breathe.
A passerby in a car can also be heard exclaiming "That looks so scary," which was also heard on previous video of the incident.
Bible argues that the video demonstrates that Ellis was not the aggressive person that law enforcement claim he was.
“You hear the howls of pain of Mr. Ellis, of Manny,” Bible said.
A medical examiner’s report has ruled the death a homicide, based on asphyxiation.
Washington Governor Jay Inslee said the state would review the case after the Pierce County Sheriff's Office has completed its review of Tacoma police. The family has been pushing for an immediate and independent investigation.
The Pierce County Prosecutor Mary Robnett has said she expects to receive a review of the case from the sheriff's office on Wednesday. Robnett has pushed for state attorneys to take part in the case. Governor Inslee has argued that having state officials take part so soon would harm the independence of its own review.
Tacoma Mayor Victoria Woodards has called for the firing and prosecution of the four officers involved in the incident.
Dyer Oxley contributed to this story.
