Colorado Court of Appeals reverses convictions for former paramedics in Elijah McClain’s death

The Colorado Court of Appeals reversed the criminally negligent homicide convictions for two former Aurora Fire Rescue paramedics in the death of Elijah McClain. The ruling, released Thursday, orders new trials for both men, CBS reported.

McClain, a 23‑year‑old Black man, was walking home in August 2019 when Aurora police stopped and restrained him. Paramedics Jeremy Cooper and Peter Cichuniec then injected him with ketamine. McClain went into cardiac arrest in the ambulance and died three days later.

Appeals Court Vacates Homicide Convictions in Elijah McClain’s Death

According to CBS, the court ruled that Cooper and Cichuniec must face new trials on the homicide charge. The panel, however, affirmed Cichuniec’s conviction for second‑degree assault, unlawful administration of drugs.

A judge vacated Cichuniec’s original five‑year prison sentence in 2024 and reduced it to probation. Cooper received four years of probation, 14 months of work release and 100 hours of community service.

Both men were convicted in December 2023 after a prosecution led by the Colorado Attorney General’s Office.

Medical Findings Shifted After Public Scrutiny

The Adams County coroner initially could not determine how McClain died. After nationwide protests renewed attention on the case, a revised medical finding concluded he died from ketamine complications following forcible restraint. That determination led to a 2021 indictment of three officers and two paramedics.

Attorney General Responds to the Decision

Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser defended the state’s prosecution. He said the office remains committed to upholding the convictions through the appeals process.

“A jury convicted two paramedics for the death of Elijah McClain, an innocent Black man who did nothing wrong that night,” Weiser said. “Justice demands it.”

Officers’ Cases and Sentences

Three Aurora police officers were also tried in McClain’s death:

• A jury convicted Randy Roedema of criminally negligent homicide and third‑degree assault. A judge sentenced him to 14 months in jail and four years of probation. He has appealed the case.
• A jury acquitted Jason Rosenblat of manslaughter and assault in October 2023.
• A jury acquitted Nathan Woodyard of manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide.

Elijah McClain Civil Settlement

The City of Aurora agreed in 2021 to pay $15 million to settle a civil lawsuit filed by McClain’s parents.