Indianapolis Officers Acquitted in 2022 Death of Man During Mental Health Crisis

A jury cleared the officers of all charges after the death of Herman Whitfield III, whose family had called 911 for help during a mental health emergency.

Officers Adam Ahmad and Steven Sanchez were acquitted of all charges, including involuntary manslaughter and reckless homicide, in the death of Herman Whitfield III.
Whitfield, a 39-year-old pianist, died in April 2022 after being shocked with a Taser and restrained face down by police during a mental health crisis at his parents' home.
The Marion County Coroner's Office ruled the death a homicide, citing heart failure caused by the restraint and Taser use, with obesity and cardiovascular disease as contributing factors.
Body camera footage of the incident, released in January 2023 following public pressure, showed Whitfield's final moments and fueled calls for police accountability and reform.
The Whitfield family has filed a civil lawsuit against the city and six officers, alleging excessive force; the case is scheduled for trial in July 2025.