A group of federal prosecutors has completed an independent review of the criminal jury trial involving Tacoma Police Department Officers Burbank, Collins, and Rankine in connection with the death of Manuel Ellis on March 3, 2020. The review centered on whether the officers’ actions violated 18 U.S.C. § 242, a federal statute that addresses official misconduct and protects civil rights.
According to a statement from the Department of Justice, “A team of experienced federal prosecutors conducted an independent and comprehensive review of the record in the criminal jury trial of State of Washington v. Tacoma Police Department Officers Burbank, Collins, and Rankine, concerning Manuel Ellis’s death on March 3, 2020. The review focused on the application of 18 U.S.C. § 242, a federal criminal civil rights statute that prohibits certain types of official misconduct. After a careful and thorough review, the Department of Justice has closed its inquiry.”
The announcement signals that no further federal action will be taken regarding potential civil rights violations in this case.
