A jury has found one officer guilty of two offenses in the death of Elijah McCain case, a 23-year-old Black man whose case drew national attention.
Aurora, Colo. officer Randy Roedema was found guilty of criminally negligent homicide and third-degree assault.
He may get up to three years in prison when he appears in court for his sentencing on Jan. 5.
Former officer Jason Rosenblatt, the second officer on scene was found not guilty on all counts.
McClain’s mother, Sheneen, expressed disappointment in the verdict.
“This is the divided states of America, and that’s what happens,” she said after exiting the courtroom, raising her fist in the air, CPR reports. “And that’s it. I’m out. I’m pissed,” she said, walking out of the courthouse.
Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser said his team knew how the case was going to be.
“Today’s verdict is about accountability,” Weiser said. “Hopefully [it] can be a sign of healing.”
Weiser refused to take questions since state prosecutors have more trials ahead.
Aurora police chief Art Acevedo issued a statement Thursday evening saying, “We respect the verdict handed down by the jury and thank the members of the jury for their thoughtful deliberation and service.”
The police had confronted McClain, a massage therapist, on Aug. 24, 2019, while he was walking home from a convenience store. According to them, a 911 call had reported someone wearing a ski mask.
The officers then put him in a chokehold and restrained him before paramedics gave him 500 milligrams of ketamine.
He suffered cardiac arrest and was declared brain dead on Aug. 27. McClain was taken off life support three days later.
