FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 10, 2020

 

MEDIA CONTACTS

Tanisha Jumper, Media and Communications,tjumper@cityoftacoma.org, (253) 591-5152
Maria Lee, Media and Communications, maria.lee@cityoftacoma.org, (253) 591-2054

 

A Statement From Mayor Victoria Woodards on Latest Developments Relating to Manuel Ellis Case

“Today, we learned that a Pierce County Sheriff’s deputy was on scene in the police response on the night of Manuel Ellis’ death. Separately, we learned that a Washington State Patrol trooper responded to a call for assistance and was on scene briefly while Mr. Ellis was in custody and still alive. 

A full and independent investigation into this homicide still remains our paramount goal, and I am deeply troubled that the Ellis family will now endure additional delays while we all await a thorough accounting of the facts. We strongly concur with the Governor and Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney that this new information mandates that an independent agency other than the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department conduct a new investigation of the entire event. We were encouraged to see Governor Jay Inslee’s swift call for an independent investigation and prosecutorial review. 

We continue to demand an impartial, just and timely process. And we will continue to strongly advocate for this outcome with the Governor’s Office.”

 

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