Current:Home > StocksExpert defends security guards in death of man at Detroit-area mall a decade ago -Thrive Success Strategies
Expert defends security guards in death of man at Detroit-area mall a decade ago
View
Date:2025-04-16 09:27:03
DETROIT (AP) — An expert in the use of force defended the tactics of security guards who restrained a man on the floor of a Detroit-area mall before he died, telling jurors Friday that their actions were reasonable.
Charles Key testified for the defense at the trial of three of the guards for involuntary manslaughter in the death of McKenzie Cochran at Northland Center more than 10 years ago.
Cochran, 25, who had an enlarged heart, repeatedly said, “I can’t breathe” while face down, according to witnesses. He died of asphyxiation.
“It doesn’t affect my overall opinion,” said Key, a consultant and former Baltimore police supervisor who trains police in the use of force. “If he’s talking it means he’s breathing. He may not be breathing well. Resisting aggressively — that also can’t be done without taking oxygen.”
The confrontation in 2014, recorded on video, began when a jewelry store owner called security to report that Cochran had said he wanted to kill somebody. He refused to leave the mall and was pepper-sprayed by a guard.
The conflict soon involved five guards, all trying to restrain Cochran while one attempted to handcuff him. It was later determined that he was not armed.
“This guy presented a serious threat from the information they had,” Key said. “All they’re trying to do is handcuff. They don’t use any other force other than the initial pepper spray.”
Cochran’s death was classified by the medical examiner as an accident in 2014, and the Oakland County prosecutor did not pursue charges, partly based on Key’s opinion about the confrontation. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel reversed course in 2021 and filed charges.
John Seiberling, Gaven King and Aaron Maree are accused of gross negligence. Another of the guards pleaded guilty last week in anticipation of only 90 days in jail. The guard who led the encounter with Cochran died in 2017.
___
Follow Ed White at https://twitter.com/edwritez
veryGood! (917)
Related
- South Korean president's party divided over defiant martial law speech
- It's another March Madness surprise as James Madison takes down No. 5 seed Wisconsin
- Body of missing University of Missouri student Riley Strain found in river in West Nashville
- Millie Bobby Brown's 'Stranger Things' co-star will officiate her wedding
- Krispy Kreme offers a free dozen Grinch green doughnuts: When to get the deal
- It's Final Four or bust for Purdue. Can the Boilermakers finally overcome their March Madness woes?
- We Found the 24 Best Travel Deals From Amazon's Big Spring Sale 2024: 57% off Luggage & More
- Rare snake with two heads undergoes surgery to remove ovaries. See the 'Two-headed gal'
- Rams vs. 49ers highlights: LA wins rainy defensive struggle in key divisional game
- Using public funds or facilities for gender-affirming care banned by GOP-led Idaho Legislature
Ranking
- At site of suspected mass killings, Syrians recall horrors, hope for answers
- Vermont House passes a bill to restrict a pesticide that is toxic to bees
- 2 Black officers allege discrimination at police department
- Men's March Madness live updates: JMU upsets Wisconsin; TCU-Utah State battling
- SFO's new sensory room helps neurodivergent travelers fight flying jitters
- Former Georgia insurance commissioner John Oxendine pleads guilty to health care fraud
- Annie Lennox again calls for cease-fire in Israel-Hamas war, calls Gaza crisis 'heartbreaking'
- This week on Sunday Morning (March 24)
Recommendation
Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Triathlon
Polyamory is attracting more and more practitioners. Why? | The Excerpt
Shop Amazon's Big Sale for Clothing Basics That Everyone Needs in Their Wardrobe STAT
Elena Larrea, Social Media Influencer and Animal Activist, Dead at 31
Apple iOS 18.2: What to know about top features, including Genmoji, AI updates
Megan Fox set the record straight on her cosmetic surgeries. More stars should do the same
For Haitian diaspora, gang violence back home is personal as hopes dim for eventual return
Cameron Diaz and Benji Madden Welcome Baby No. 2