Elijah McClain death: Internet says 'not enough' after paramedic Peter Cichuniec sentenced for 5 years

Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.

DENVER, COLORADO: Paramedic Peter Cichuniec were sentenced to five years in prison on Friday, March 1, for his role in the death of Elijah McClain, a 23-year-old Black man whose tragic demise sparked nationwide calls for social justice in 2020.

McClain's fatal encounter with the police occurred in a Denver suburb in 2019 when responding officers forcibly restrained him, employing a neck hold. Echoing George Floyd's haunting last words a year later, McClain pleaded, "I can't breathe."

Timeline of Elijah McClain's final moments

McClain's death, initially receiving little attention, gained renewed interest during mass protests following Floyd's death. The ill-fated incident unfolded as McClain encountered the police on August 24, 2019, in the Denver suburb of Aurora, following a 911 call reporting him as suspicious for walking down the street, waving his arms, and wearing a face mask.

Engrossed in music with earbuds, McClain appeared surprised when an officer swiftly approached and laid hands on him. This initiated a confrontation involving a neck hold and restraint, lasting approximately 20 minutes before the victim received a 500-milligram ketamine injection.

As a result, he experienced cardiac arrest on the way to the hospital and was removed from life support three days later. Expert testimonies indicated that the administered sedative played a pivotal role in McClain's demise, exacerbated by his struggle to breathe while restrained and inhaling vomit into his lungs during the encounter with the police.

Paramedics guilty of criminally negligent homicide

Cichuniec and a fellow paramedic were convicted in December on charges of criminally negligent homicide for administering a fatal dose of ketamine, a powerful sedative, during the incident. He faced an additional second-degree assault charge for administering the drug without consent or a legitimate medical purpose.

McClain's mother, Sheneen, expressed her sentiments in the courtroom, criticizing the paramedics for their actions and urging accountability.

“You are a local hero no more,” the grieving mother said as Cichuniec sat with his attorneys at a nearby table. “Next time, think for yourself and do not follow the direction of a crowd of cowards.”

Sheneen added that the other paramedics could have stepped in “simply by just saying, ‘Stop hurting my patient.’"

Peter Cichuniec's emotional plea, backed by family and friends

Cichuniec, who has been in custody since his conviction, appealed for mercy during the hearing. Family and friends testified on his behalf, emphasizing his 18-year career as a firefighter and paramedic. The convict tearfully asserted his commitment to saving lives and denied any intent to harm McClain.

“I have never backed down from a call and I’ve had more things happen to me than you can imagine,” he claimed. “It sickened me when the prosecution said during their closing argument that I showed no remorse for Elijah. ... There was absolutely no intent to cause any harm to Elijah McClain.”

Assistant Attorney General Jason Slothouber countered, asserting that Cichuniec failed to follow his training, neglecting to properly assess McClain before administering the lethal dose.

“Elijah was treated as a problem that could be easily solved with ketamine, rather than as a person who needed to be evaluated, spoken to, treated with respect and care,” he stated.

Netizens fume over Peter Cichuniec's prison term

Despite facing up to 16 years on the assault charge, Cichuniec was handed the minimum sentence of five years, a decision that drew mixed reactions. The second convicted paramedic, Jeremy Cooper sentencing is scheduled for April.

A user commented on Facebook, "Just 5 f**king years? Are you serious? Wow!"

Another added, "Not Enough! Elijah McClain deserves more!"

A third claimed, "5 years,,,....sounds about white." "Not long enough!!!!!" read a tweet. "Not warranted. The justice system is so messed up!" stated a user. "5 years the MINIMUM sentence for taking someone's life! What a travesty," added another.

 

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