Manuel 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

Tacoma Case Of Manuel Ellis Prompts State Attorney General To Review Dozens Of Police Force Cases

By Will James June 24, 2020

The family of Manuel Ellis and their attorney, James Bible, address reporters during a news conference Tuesday in Tacoma. They renewed calls for the state to lead an independent investigation into Ellis' killing on March 3. CREDIT: Parker Miles Blohm/KNKX

Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson's office is reviewing at least 30 cases in which police killed or wounded people in 2020, amid concerns law enforcement agencies are not following new rules governing how they hold each other accountable in cases of deadly force. Read More

Governor ‘Convinced’ Manuel Ellis Death Case In Tacoma Must Be Handled Outside Pierce County

By NWPB News June 11, 2020

Manuel Ellis died after being arrested by Tacoma Police in March 2020. He death was later ruled a homicide. Courtesy of Tacoma Action Collection

Manuel Ellis' death was ruled a homicide by the Pierce County medical examiner. It was caused by a lack of oxygen due to physical restraint. Records reviewed by KNKX Public Radio show Ellis said he couldn’t breathe within two minutes of making contact with officers. Read More

Manuel Ellis Died In Tacoma Police Custody, Saying He ‘Can’t Breathe,’ Report Says

By NWPB News June 4, 2020

Hundreds gathered at a vigil Wednesday night to remember Manuel Ellis, who died March 3 in the custody of Tacoma police officers. His death has been ruled a homicide by the Pierce County medical examiner, and the officers have been placed on leave. CREDIT: Will James/KNKX

The name of Manuel Ellis is now being added to the list of black people who died in police custody, after an autopsy report ruled his death in Tacoma was a homicide. And in an echo of the George Floyd case, Ellis was heard saying he "can't breathe," as he was being restrained. Read More