Controversy Surrounds Black Man's Death as Lawyers Argue He Was at Fault

A lawyer representing one of the three Tacoma police officers accused of killing Manuel Ellis argued that Ellis "created his own death" during the altercation, claiming that his behavior forced the officers to use force against him. The lawyer insinuated that the trial of the officers was politically motivated. Ellis' family has already reached a $4 million proposed settlement in a wrongful death lawsuit. The prosecution presented evidence contradicting the officers' statements, including videos and witness testimony. The trial marks the first case since a 2018 measure removed the requirement for prosecutors to prove police acted with malice in suspect deaths.