In a dramatic turn of events, suspended Aurora police officer Nathan Woodyard took the stand on Wednesday to testify in his own defense in the trial for the 2019 death of Elijah McClain. Woodyard is facing charges of reckless manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide related to the incident. McClain, an unarmed 23-year-old Black man, died after being placed in a carotid hold and injected with the sedative ketamine by paramedics.
During his testimony, Woodyard expressed regret and stated that he would handle the situation differently if given the chance. When asked by his defense attorney if he would approach McClain differently knowing what he knows now, Woodyard responded affirmatively. He also admitted that he could have tried to talk to McClain instead of resorting to physical force.
The case revolves around the events of August 24, 2019, when officers responded to a call about a "suspicious person" wearing a ski mask. McClain, a massage therapist and musician, was walking home from a convenience store carrying a plastic bag with iced tea when he was confronted by the police. Body camera footage captured the officers wrestling McClain to the ground and using a carotid hold on him. Paramedics later injected him with ketamine, and McClain's heart stopped on the way to the hospital. He was pronounced dead three days later.
Initially, prosecutors declined to bring charges against the officers involved, but the case received renewed scrutiny following the nationwide Black Lives Matter protests in 2020. A grand jury later indicted three officers and two paramedics in McClain's death. Last month, two of the officers, Randy Roedema and Jason Rosenblatt, were tried in a separate trial. Roedema was convicted of criminally negligent homicide and assault, while Rosenblatt was acquitted of all charges. The two paramedics are set to go on trial in the coming weeks.
During his testimony, Woodyard described his recollection of the events and the moment he decided to apply the carotid hold. He claimed that he heard another officer say, "He just grabbed your gun, dude!", which led him to believe that his life was in danger. Woodyard stated that he never saw McClain holding a gun, and no evidence has been presented in either trial showing that McClain had a gun or attempted to take one from Rosenblatt.
However, the prosecution questioned Woodyard's actions and highlighted his failure to inform his commanding officers or the paramedics about McClain's complaints of not being able to breathe. They argued that Woodyard's decision not to report this vital information contributed to McClain's death. The prosecution also questioned whether Woodyard followed proper police training regarding carotid holds and checking for signs of life.
The cause of McClain's death has been a point of contention. An initial autopsy report in 2019 listed the cause of death as "undetermined." However, an amended report released in 2022 attributed his death to "complications of ketamine administration following forcible restraint." The pathologist who signed the report stated that there was no evidence that injuries inflicted by the police contributed to McClain's death and that he would likely be alive if not for the administration of ketamine.
The trial will continue with further testimony and cross-examination of witnesses. The outcome of this case will have significant implications for the ongoing conversation about police brutality and the use of force against Black individuals.
