Paramedics' Trial Commences in Elijah McClain's Death

The trial has begun for paramedics Jeremy Cooper and Peter Cichuniec, who have pleaded not guilty to charges of manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, and second-degree assault in the death of Elijah McClain. McClain, a 23-year-old black man, died in 2019 after being stopped by three white police officers and placed in a chokehold. The paramedics injected him with a powerful sedative, ketamine, and he never regained consciousness. The prosecution argues that the paramedics failed McClain at every step, administering an excessive dose of ketamine and not monitoring him properly. The defense claims they were given inaccurate information and followed appropriate protocols. The trial follows the conviction of one police officer and the acquittal of two others involved in the incident.