Ohio Officers Beau Schoenegge and Camden Burch Indicted for Reckless Homicide in Death of Handcuffed Man

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ICARO Media Group
Politics
02/11/2024 23h45

**Ohio Police Officers Charged with Reckless Homicide in Death of Handcuffed Man**

CANTON, Ohio — Two Canton police officers have been indicted on reckless homicide charges in connection with the April 18 death of Frank Tyson, who died shortly after being detained by the officers. Stark County prosecutor Kyle Stone announced on Saturday that a grand jury had charged officers Beau Schoenegge and Camden Burch with third-degree felonies, which could lead to a maximum prison sentence of 36 months and a $10,000 fine.

The incident began after Tyson, a 53-year-old resident of East Canton, was taken into custody following a vehicle crash that severed a utility pole. Police body-camera footage revealed that Tyson, who was Black, resisted arrest and continually pleaded that he was unable to breathe, stating, "They're trying to kill me" and "Call the sheriff." Despite his pleas, officers handcuffed Tyson and left him face down on the floor of a social club.

While Tyson was on the ground, officers reportedly told him he was fine, urging him to calm down and stop resisting. They were seen joking with bystanders and examining Tyson's wallet before they noticed he was in medical distress. The county coroner later ruled Tyson's death a homicide, with contributing factors including a heart condition and cocaine and alcohol intoxication.

The officers were booked into the Stark County jail, according to the sheriff's office. An official noted that there was currently no information regarding their legal representation, and the Canton Police Department affirmed that both officers have been placed on paid administrative leave as per department policy.

Reacting to the charges, Tyson family attorney Bobby DiCello expressed relief that the officers would face prosecution for what he described as Tyson's "inhumane and brutal death." DiCello also called the development "bittersweet" as it officially confirmed the family's long-held belief that Tyson was a homicide victim.

Hector McDaniel, president of the Stark County NAACP chapter, applauded the charges, stating they align with the observed behavior of the officers involved. McDaniel conveyed hope that this action signifies progress toward transparency, accountability, and truth.

Tyson had been released from state prison on April 6 after serving 24 years for a kidnapping and theft case. Shortly after his release, the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction declared him a post-release control supervision violator for not reporting to his parole officer.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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