Bodycam video of Elijah McClain’s arrest leaves mom in tears at trial of officers charged in Black man’s death

Bodycam video of the arrest leading up to the 2019 death of Black man Elijah McClain caused the dead man’s mother to leave a Colorado courtroom in tears.

Sheneen McClain appeared to breathe deeply as she watched shaky footage of police tussling with her 23-year-old son for roughly an hour, according to The Associated Press.

A teary Sheneen — seated front row on day three of the manslaughter trial against two Aurora, Colo., police officers charged in her son’s death — reportedly refused tissue as the jerky footage played.

Elijah McClain was stopped by police in suburban Denver who were reportedly looking for a “sketchy” individual. Elijah was walking home from a convenience store wearing a mask for warmth on account of his anemia, relatives said.

The interaction began with Elijah — who family members have described as quiet and introverted — attempting to diffuse the situation, telling officers “I was just trying to go home” and saying “I’m just different. I’m so sorry.”

However, a physical confrontation quickly ensued.

Bodycam footage from the incident shifts rapidly from the ground to the sky to an apartment building as the struggle continues, during which Elijah can be heard repeatedly vomiting and telling cops “I can’t breathe correctly.” Elijah ultimately loses consciousness after he’s placed in a chokehold.

A pulmonary critical care physician who testified Friday said he believes Elijah inhaled vomit into his lungs.

A coroner’s report said ketamine, a powerful sedative administered by paramedics on the night of Elijah’s death, was a key factor in his demise. Prosecutors argue excessive force also contributed to the outcome.

The McClain family agreed to a $15 million settlement with the city of Aurora in 2021. Their civil suit alleged excessive force used by officers, possibly along with a large dose of ketamine, contributed to Elijah’s death.

With News Wire Services