Trial Begins for Paramedics Charged in Elijah McClain's Death

Paramedics Accused of Administering Excessive Ketamine Dose, Defense to Blame Police

Jury selection has begun in the trial of paramedics Jeremy Cooper and Peter Cichuniec, who are charged with manslaughter, negligent homicide and several counts each of assault in connection with the death of Elijah McClain.
The paramedics are accused of injecting McClain with a dose of ketamine that was too high for his weight, without checking his vital signs or physically touching him.
The defense attorneys for the paramedics plan to blame the police for McClain's death.
This case is the first of several recent criminal charges against medical first responders to reach trial, potentially setting a precedent for future cases.
The city of Aurora agreed in 2021 to pay $15 million to settle a lawsuit brought by McClain's parents.