TACOMA, Wash. — The three Tacoma police officers accused of killing Manuel Ellis were acquitted on all charges Thursday. Now, the Tacoma Police Department (TPD) will soon conclude its internal investigation into the officers’ conduct with Ellis on the night of his death.
Upon the end of trial testimony on Dec. 6, the Tacoma Police Department resumed its internal investigation into the officers’ actions, which the city said will include information from the officers’ testimony on the witness stand. Officers Matthew Collins and Timothy Rankine took to the witness stand during the 10-week trial while Officer Christopher Burbank did not.
“TPD is committed to finalizing its own investigation for administrative completeness regarding use of force and courtesy violations,” according to a news release from the City of Tacoma and TPD.
The department expects to finalize its internal investigation within the next day, said City Manager Elizabeth Pauli at a news conference on Thursday evening.
Once the findings are completed, the investigation will be reviewed by Police Chief Avery Moore, who will determine if any policy violations occurred and possible discipline actions, including termination. The police chief will deliver a final disciplinary decision within several weeks.
According to the city, if any discipline decisions include financial impacts to the officers, Moore is required by law to hold pre-disciplinary hearings.
Throughout the trial, the officers remained on paid administrative leave. Three years ago, Tacoma Mayor Victoria Woodards called for the firing of all three officers.
At the news conference Thursday, Woodards expressed condolences to Ellis' family and the greater Tacoma community.
“The verdict today does not lessen our commitment to ensure that the city’s power is used to protect and serve," she said.
Woodards, joined by the Tacoma police chief, city manager and other city officials, did not take any questions after the news conference.
“Today, three officers’ trials concluded," she said. "But the entire Tacoma Police Department was not on trial."
While there is no outcome that will be considered just for everyone involved, Woodards said the administrative processes will be carried out impartially.
“This is bigger than just the systems the city controls alone,” she said. “I personally commit … to a just, transparent and safer Tacoma for all of our residents.”