Former Colorado Paramedic Sentenced to Probation in Elijah McClain's Death

Jeremy Cooper, a former Colorado paramedic, was sentenced to four years of probation on Friday for his role in the 2019 death of Elijah McClain in Aurora. Cooper, who was found guilty of criminally negligent homicide last year, faced up to three years in prison. He administered a dose of ketamine to McClain, a 23-year-old Black man who had been forcibly restrained by police.

The sentencing caps a series of trials that resulted in the convictions of a police officer and two paramedics involved in McClain's death. Experts say the convictions would have been unheard of before 2020, when the murder of George Floyd sparked a nationwide reckoning over racist policing and deaths in police custody.

McClain's mother, Sheneen McClain, expressed her dissatisfaction with the outcome, stating that justice had not been served. She blamed her son's death on everyone who was present that night, not just those convicted.

Why this matters: The case of Elijah McClain's death has led to re-examinations of how police and paramedics treat suspects, particularly in cases involving the use of ketamine. Some states have passed legislation to curb the use of neck holds, chokeholds, and powerful sedatives like ketamine by law enforcement and emergency responders.

Cooper's sentencing also included 14 months of work release and 100 hours of community service. The other paramedic involved, Peter Cichuniec, was previously sentenced to five years in prison for criminally negligent homicide and second-degree assault. One of the police officers, Randy Roedema, was found guilty of criminally negligent homicide and third-degree assault, while the other two officers were acquitted.

Key Takeaways

• Former Colorado paramedic Jeremy Cooper sentenced to 4 years probation
• Cooper found guilty of criminally negligent homicide in Elijah McClain's death
• Convictions of police, paramedics in McClain's death seen as unprecedented
• McClain's mother dissatisfied, blames all present for son's death
• Case leads to re-examinations of police, paramedic tactics, some legislative changes