AURORA, Colo. (KDVR) — While some were glad to hear about the indictments of three Aurora Police officers and two paramedics, others believe they fell short.
The activists FOX31 spoke with were directly involved in calling for action to be taken against the officers and paramedics involved in Elijah McClain’s death.
There was a sense of relief but they say more serious action is needed.
“My reaction is I’m trying to temper it because yes I’m happy that these people were charged. I honestly think the should have been charged with murder. (It should be) Way more than manslaughter. They killed Elijah McClain,” said violence prevention advocate Jason McBride.
McBride contends the officers’ and paramedics’ decision to use ketamine was intentional.
“It’s about time. I will never be happy because Elijah shouldn’t have had to die. I think manslaughter is light for what occurred that night,” said former Aurora Community Police Task Force member Lindsay Minter.
Candice Bailey who has been at the forefront of protests calling for action against rogue police officers said today her first thoughts were with McClain’s family.
“I cried without reserve with every emotion of every human being that had stood with me this past year that made a path for all of this to be possible,” said Bailey.
Bailey now plans to run for city council. She says public safety is one of her top priorities.
“Today we saw 32 counts on an indictment that will likely change the gravitation of what happens in our community and other communities around this nation,” said Bailey.
Activists we talked to believe the indictments mark the beginning of an era of change in holding police accountable, but they say there is still a long way to go.
Some believe Aurora’s police chief has done a good job in trying to improve the culture at the department.
Another made it clear they believe it was just a small group of officers that were creating an unacceptable culture, not the whole police department.
Catch up with the investigation here:
- What happened to Elijah McClain: Problem Solvers investigate | Watch full half-hour program
- Elijah McClain investigation results expected in early February
- Colorado lawmaker meets with grassroots group drafting ketamine legislation
- State health dept. delays ketamine review plans, AG continues McClain case investigation
- Coroner who handled Elijah McClain case will not renew Broomfield contract
- Federal excessive force lawsuit filed in ketamine case that received national attention
- Governor makes another amendment to Elijah McClain executive order
- Results of Aurora’s Elijah McClain investigation on track for presentation
- 3 fired Aurora officers in McClain photo scandal appealing their terminations
- Aurora mayor’s name added to lawsuit, accused of retaliation
- Aurora’s Elijah McClain investigation results could come next year