Paramedic Sentenced for Role in Elijah McClain’s Death in Jail amid Controversy over Ketamine Use in Arrests

In January, one of the first responders involved in the death of Elijah McClain, a young African-American man in 2019, was sentenced to 14 months in half-term detention. McClain passed away after the responders injected him with ketamine during his arrest. The paramedic will be allowed to work during the day but must return to prison in the evenings and weekends during his sentence. Additionally, he has been given a four-year suspended prison sentence.

The use of ketamine in arrests is controversial in the US, leading to investigations in multiple states. The case highlights the ongoing issues surrounding police use of force and the treatment of individuals with black skin in the criminal justice system. Elijah McClain was put in a chokehold during his arrest in Aurora and was given a strong sedative, resulting in his death three days later.

The first responders claimed they were following procedures when they administered the ketamine, but the prosecution argued that they did not properly assess the victim’s condition before administering the drug. The case gained media attention following the death of George Floyd in May 2020. Two other police officers involved in McClain’s arrest were acquitted in a separate trial.

McClain was stopped by police after an anonymous caller described him as “suspicious” for wearing ski goggles. His family stated that he was only outside to buy an iced tea and often wore the goggles to protect against the cold due to anemia. In January, one of the police officers involved in McClain’s arrest was sentenced to 14 months in prison while two others were acquitted.