The trial for paramedics Jeremy Cooper and Peter Cichuniec, charged in the death of Elijah McClain, commenced with the prosecution stating that they "failed him at every single step." Cooper and Cichuniec have pleaded not guilty to charges of manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, and second-degree assault. This trial marks the third and final trial related to the tragic incident that occurred in a Denver suburb in 2019.

Mr. McClain, a 23-year-old black man, was walking home when three white police officers stopped him in response to a call about a "sketchy" individual in the area. Wearing headphones and a balaclava to alleviate the effects of anaemia-induced chronic chills, Mr. McClain initially ignored the officers' commands. However, the situation escalated, leading to him being placed in a chokehold during the confrontation, as captured on bodycam footage.

After restraining Mr. McClain, Cooper and Cichuniec administered a powerful sedative, ketamine. Unfortunately, Mr. McClain never regained consciousness and was taken off life support three days later, resulting in his passing. The defense argued during the opening remarks that the paramedics were given inaccurate information at the scene, including reports that it took three officers to bring Mr. McClain to the ground and that he had attempted to grab a gun.

In her opening statement, Colorado Solicitor General Shannon Wells Stevenson outlined the prosecution's case, highlighting the actions taken by the defendants that ultimately led to Mr. McClain's death. Ms. Stevenson argued that the maximum dose of 500mg of ketamine given to Mr. McClain was excessive for his weight of 145lb (65kg). She further contended that the defendants should have closely monitored him and not kept him in a face-down position, which impaired his breathing.

The defense claimed that Mr. McClain was an innocent man who should still be alive today. They contended that inaccurate information influenced the paramedics' actions and that they followed appropriate protocols to de-escalate the tense situation. The defense also mentioned the belief that Mr. McClain was suffering from excited delirium, a condition that led them to view him as potentially hyper-aggressive and not in the right state of mind.

The trial attracted national attention, highlighting the responsibility of paramedics and first responders. Instances of criminal charges against such individuals remain rare; however, several similar cases are pending across the United States. In Illinois, two paramedics are facing murder charges for the suffocation and death of a patient strapped face down on a stretcher. In Los Angeles County, a nurse has been charged with involuntary manslaughter for allegedly taking blood from an unresponsive suspect while being restrained by police officers.

The death of Elijah McClain gained renewed public scrutiny following the tragic death of George Floyd at the hands of Minnesota police the following year. As the trial unfolds, the decision in the case against police officer Randy Roedema, found guilty of criminally negligent homicide and third-degree assault, will be announced in January.

The trial for the paramedics charged in the death of Elijah McClain continues, with further testimony and arguments expected in the coming days.