‘A challenging time for many.’ Public officials react to verdict in Tacoma police trial

Elected and public officials across Pierce County and Washington reacted to Thursday’s verdict in the trial of three local law enforcement officers charged in the death of Manuel Ellis.

After a 10-week trial, the jury of seven men and five women found the officers not guilty of all charges they faced.

Officers Matthew Collins and Christopher Burbank had been charged with second-degree murder and first-degree manslaughter. Officer Timothy Rankine had been charged with first-degree manslaughter.

The jury also did not convict either officer of a lesser charge of second-degree manslaughter.

Pierce County Executive Bruce Dammeier, Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson and others have posted statements following the verdict.

Pierce County Executive Bruce Dammeier

“Today our community learned the verdict in the trial of three Tacoma Police officers accused in the death of Manny Ellis. It has been more than three years since that fateful night when Mr. Ellis died in police custody. Today’s verdict will elicit a wide variety of emotions from our community and co-workers. I trust we will be there for each other as all of us process the trial’s result.

“While our system of justice may be imperfect, it is foundational to our democracy and who we are as Americans. The presumption of innocence and a trial by a jury of your peers are critical safeguards in our society.

“I would like to express my deep appreciation to the jurors. These ‘ordinary citizens’ accepted the responsibility of hearing the evidence, applying the law, and rendering a judgement in one of Pierce County’s most significant trials. They deserve our gratitude for their service.

“I am also thankful to our County team that led the effort to make this the most transparent and accessible trial in our history, while helping bring our community together. Over many months, Chris Gaddis, of Superior Court, and Amy Gillespie, of Emergency Management, led the planning effort involving more than 50 organizations throughout the county. The City of Tacoma was a key partner throughout. I appreciate the leaders from many departments whose collaboration made it possible, including the Sheriff’s Department, Communications, Facilities, Planning and Public Works and District Court.

“This has been a challenging time for many, and I want to remind you that resources like the Employee Assistance Program are available to support you. Let’s take care of each other as we take care of our residents.”

Chamber and economic development board

“While the trial of the three Tacoma Police officers in the death of Manuel Ellis has concluded, we know our work is far from over. We remain steadfast in our commitment to support and advance justice and accountability throughout all systems and structures that were not created with equity, inclusion, and justice for all in mind.

“The business community is uniquely positioned to lead by breaking down challenges and cultural barriers by continuing to advocate for policy changes and provide resources and support that create more economic opportunity. We are doing this by building generational wealth through home ownership and entrepreneurship, increasing access to education, and supporting career advancement. But most importantly, we are doing this in collaboration and partnership with and for our community.

“We acknowledge that part of advancing equity and inclusion in the workplace and in our neighborhoods requires us to have what can often be challenging conversations about race. We call on our members and our business community to continue to advance welcoming, inclusive, and safe cultures at work that extend to all aspects of our community.

“We continue to have conversations and encourage partners to join our anti-racist work as we focus on our vision to be the most equitable, inclusive, and thriving place to do business in Washington state.

“We continue to diligently monitor the situation and will update you, the business community, with the resources you need.”

— Andrea Reay, President & CEO, Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber

— Bruce Kendall, President & CEO, Economic Development Board Tacoma-Pierce County

Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson

“I want to start by thanking the jury and court staff for their service. I also want to thank the members of my legal team for their extraordinary hard work and dedication. I know the Ellis family is hurting, and my heart goes out to them.”

Office of Internal Investigations Director Roger Rogoff

“I cannot speak to the verdict or the outcome of this trial but I will say that I know that people in the community continue to be pained by the death of Manny Ellis and were frustrated with the initial investigation.

“The call for change that followed the investigation into the death of Manny Ellis is one of the reasons the Office of Independent Investigations was created.

“Our goal is that the work of OII will give hope, and help instill faith for the entire community, that an unbiased, thorough, and truly independent investigation will be conducted whenever anyone loses their life in an encounter with law enforcement.”

Gov. Jay Inslee

“Regardless of how people feel about today’s verdict, everyone should remember this case began when the Ellis family experienced a profound loss that was not properly investigated. A full airing of the evidence was important for all sides in this tragedy and that’s what happened here thanks to the Attorney General’s Office. These events also led to the creation of the state Office of Independent Investigations, a key piece of how we improve justice and accountability in Washington state.

“We can respect our judicial system without diminishing the fact our society has more to do. Today’s outcome will no doubt spark relief for some and immense pain for others. In moments such as these, our discussions will only be as profound as the respect we can muster for one another.”

Speaker Laurie Jinkins (D-Tacoma)

“Manny Ellis should still be alive.

“Since his death in 2020, and in response to a massive movement calling for police reform and increased police accountability, we have passed laws requiring law enforcement to exhaust all options for de-escalation before considering deadly force. These changes will save lives, but unfortunately, they will not bring Mr. Ellis back.

“My heart is with Mr. Ellis’ family and friends, and with our whole community as we process this news and continue to process his loss. I want to recognize that for Black communities in particular this news may resurface all too familiar experiences of emotional devastation, where justice and legal accountability might feel out of reach. We have seen too many devastating losses, here and across the country, that further remind us of the work we must do, collectively, to combat anti-black racism and the deadly impact it has on all of us.

“In the days ahead, I hope that we gather in community, creating spaces where we can give each other the grace, support, and care so necessary for processing our collective bereavement. Throughout the trial, I’ve drawn hope from how our community has peacefully cared for one another, and I draw comfort from believing that will continue into the future.

“It is the job of the legislature to meaningfully address social injustices and civil inequalities. We do this by making policies that create safer, more equitable, and more dignified lives for all Washingtonians. Part of this work is continuously evaluating the impact of our laws to ensure they better solve the problems they are meant to address.

“I have carried thoughts of Manuel Ellis with me as we have considered legislation over the past few years, thinking of his loss as we address the problems that are ours to solve.

“This is our first major trial since the passage of increased oversight and accountability for law enforcement use of deadly force. While we have made meaningful and important strides in this direction, today’s verdict shows there is still so much work to do, including building a future where we can establish trust between our communities and our law enforcement officers.”

This story was originally published December 21, 2023 at 4:25 PM.