Closing arguments begin in trial of 3 officers charged in Manuel Ellis’ death

By MARTHA BELLISLE
Associated Press

TACOMA, Wash. (AP) — A prosecutor trying three Tacoma, Washington, police officers in the death of Manuel Ellis is making her closing arguments. She told the jury Monday that two officers knocked Ellis to the ground, punched, choked and shot him with a Taser. Ellis responded with the words: “can’t breathe, sir.” The prosecutor says a third officer joined in and held Ellis face down until he died. Officers Matthew Collins and Christopher Burbank are charged with second-degree murder and manslaughter. Officer Timothy Rankine is charged with manslaughter.  Defense lawyers have said Ellis attacked the officers with “super-human strength” and that he died of a drug overdose and a damaged heart.