Manny Ellis Archives - Northwest Public Broadcasting

Murder Charges Filed Against Tacoma Police Officers In Death Of Manuel ‘Manny’ Ellis

By NWPB News May 27, 2021

Community members gathered in June for a celebration of life for Manuel Ellis, who was killed by Tacoma police in March. In this photo, one of the attendees hangs a flyer with Ellis’ image that says “Happy Father’s Day Manny.” CREDIT: Parker Miles Blohm/KNKX

The Washington state attorney general on Thursday charged two Tacoma police officers with murder and one with manslaughter in the death of Manuel Ellis, a Black man who died after repeatedly telling them he couldn’t breathe as he was being restrained. Read More

Washington House Passes Ban On Police Chokeholds, Backs Off Complete Ban On Tear Gas

By Austin Jenkins March 1, 2021

An image of Manuel "Manny" Ellis is taped to a utility pole on Thursday, June 4, 2020, near the intersection of Ainsworth Avenue South and 96th Street South in Tacoma. Ellis was killed by police on March 3rd, 2020

The police tactics measure, House Bill 1054, is a major plank in a sweeping police accountability agenda brought forth this year by majority Democrats. The focus on police reform follows last year’s protests nationally over the killings of Black people by police, includng George Floyd in Minneapolis and Breonna Taylor in Louisville. Read More

Police, Reformers Face Off Over Proposal To Ban Chokeholds And Military Equipment In Washington

By Austin Jenkins January 12, 2021

A proposal to impose sweeping restrictions on police tactics and techniques in Washington is highlighting stark differences of opinion between police and reform groups. That divide was on display Tuesday in the House Public Safety committee during a lengthy, virtual public hearing on an omnibus bill sponsored by Democratic state Rep. Jesse Johnson. Read More