Black man choked by cops died of drugs: Officers' lawyers argue

Lawyers for Washington state police officers charged in the death of Manuel Ellis argued that his death was due to drug use, not excessive force. Ellis was addicted to methamphetamine, causing him to be violent and unpredictable. Wayne Fricke, representing Officer Christopher Burbank, stated that Ellis created a situation that forced the officers to use force. Special prosecutor Patty Eakes urged the jury to compare the officers' statements with videos and witness testimony. This is the first trial of officers charged in a suspect's death since the removal of a requirement to prove malice.