HOLD THEM ACCOUNTABLE
What were Elijah McClain’s last words and what has his mom said about the cops involved?
ELIJAH McClain's mother, Sheneen, has been seeking justice for her son since he died in August 2019 after an encounter with Aurora police officers.
Two years after McClain's death, his mother is finally getting her wish as charges have finally been filed.
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What were Elijah McClain's last words?
Back in 2019, 23, was walking home from a connivence store when he ran into police.
According to McClain's family, he had suffered from anemia and often walked around in a ski mask to keep himself warm.
After being noticed on the street, a civilian called the police department to report a "suspicious man" walking around.
When police arrived on the scene, McClain was put into a chokehold and administered with a dose of ketamine by paramedics to calm his down.
As McClain pleaded for his life, Twitter users revealed that his last words were: "I’m an introvert. I’m just different that’s all. I’m so sorry. I don’t have a gun. I don’t do that stuff.
"All I was trying to do was become better. I’ll do it...You all are phenomenal.
"You are beautiful. And I love you. Try to forgive me. I’m sorry."
McClain later slipped into a coma on the way to the hospital and was pronounced dead three days later.
Who has been charged?
On September 1, 2021, it was announced that three officers and two medics had in association with his death.
All five were charged with manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide, while some face other charges.
Those who have been charged include:
- Officer Randy Roedema
- Officer Nathan Woodyard
- Officer Jason Rosenblatt
- Paramedic Jeremy Cooper
- Fire Lt. Peter Cichuniec
Along with the charges of manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide, Roedema and Rosenblatt also face charges of second-degree assault with intent to cause bodily injury and one count of a crime of violence related to the assault charge.
Cooper and Cichuniec also face three counts of second-degree assault.
“Our goal is to seek justice for Elijah McClain, for his family and his friends,” Attorney General Phil Weiser said in a statement.
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What has his mom said about the cops involved?
Back in 2019, McClain's mother pleaded with authorities to hold the cops "accountable."
During an interview with , Sheneen McClain said that she felt "hopeless" despite the investigation into her son's death being reopened.
"The only thing that would make me feel better as a mom would be for them to have life in prison... they need to lose their jobs," Sheneen said.
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"It needs to be a felony on their record... because of the profession that they're in."
The officers involved in McClain's death were placed on temporary leave but no charges were filed at the time.
Two years later, after the charges were filed, Sheneen's lawyer, Qusair Mohamedbhai, stated that she now “is overwhelmed emotionally by this news and appreciates the hard work of Phil Weiser and the rest of his team. There is not a day that goes by that she does not think of her son Elijah.”
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