AURORA, Colo. – A former police officer in Aurora, Colorado has been sentenced to prison for his involvement in the death of Elijah McClain. McClain, a black man, died in 2019 after being placed in a chokehold and injected with ketamine by the officers.
District Judge Michelle Amico sentenced former officer Nathan Woodyard to 90 days in jail Tuesday after he was convicted of assault and official misconduct in the case. Two other officers also faced charges in McClain’s death, but their trial ended in a hung jury.
The officers encountered McClain while responding to a 911 call about a suspicious person. McClain was simply walking home from a store when officers confronted him. He was subdued with a chokehold, injected with ketamine, and later died.
The case has drawn national attention and sparked protests, with many calling for justice for McClain. His family has been vocal in their demand for accountability and reform within law enforcement. The city of Aurora has also faced scrutiny for its handling of the case, leading to changes in police policies and procedures.
In the wake of the sentencing, advocates for police reform are hopeful that this case will set a precedent for holding law enforcement officers accountable for their actions. The conclusion of this trial marks a significant step in the fight for justice for McClain and his family.