‘Heartbreak’: Indianapolis Family Left Reeling After Jury Quickly Acquit Officers Who Were Called to Help Black Man Suffering Crisis But Tased and Held Him Down Until His Last Breath

Two Indianapolis police officers were found not guilty of manslaughter and other charges in connection with the death of a Black man who was shocked with a Taser and restrained face down while being handcuffed in 2022. The jury acquitted officers Adam Ahmad and Steven Sanchez on Dec. 6 after less than three hours of deliberation, making for a stunning conclusion after a five-day trial in the police custody death of Herman Whitfield III, a gifted pianist. Former officers Adam Ahmad (left) and Steven Sanchez (right) (Credit: IMPD) The officers went on trial together, with the jury acquitting them on all charges, including one felony count each of involuntary manslaughter, reckless homicide, battery resulting in serious bodily injury, and battery resulting in moderate injury, as well as one misdemeanor battery charge. in a statement following the verdicts, Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears expressed “heartbreak” for Whitfield’s family. John Kautzman, an attorney for one of the officers, told The Associated Press that the defense team was “very, very pleased” with the verdict, adding that police officers should not be imprisoned for performing their duties. “We felt that they acted appropriately under very difficult circumstances and we’re really happy they were exonerated,”...