Paramedic Charged In Death Of Elijah McClain Gets 5-Year Prison Sentence Wiped By Judge

In a significant development, Judge Mark Warner of Adams County District Court reduced the prison sentence of former Aurora paramedic Peter Cichuniec, convicted in the 2019 death of Elijah McClain. Cichuniec's five-year prison term was converted to four years of probation, despite opposition from prosecutors. Warner cited "unusual and extenuating circumstances," emphasizing Cichuniec's lack of prior criminal history and his "pro-social" behavior as factors influencing the decision.

Cichuniec, convicted of criminally negligent homicide and assault by drugging, was supervising the paramedic who administered a lethal dose of ketamine to McClain. The 23-year-old Black man died after Aurora police restrained him, and paramedics misjudged his weight, leading to the overdose. Cichuniec admitted during the trial that he and fellow paramedic Jeremy Cooper overestimated McClain's weight and rushed the dosage.

Prosecutors strongly opposed the sentence reduction, arguing it would "undermine the jury's verdict" and the mandatory sentencing scheme for such offenses. They highlighted the rarity of sentence modifications in cases like this, noting that only 203 sentences have been altered under the statute since 1977. "A sentence modification in this case will undermine the jury's verdict," prosecutors stated in court filings.

Warner acknowledged that Cichuniec had to make quick decisions during the incident but believed the deterrent effect of the original sentence had been achieved. He remarked, "There are unique circumstances to this case."

While Cichuniec's supporters rejoiced after the ruling, shouting, "Pete is coming home," others expressed disappointment. Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser's office voiced dissatisfaction, saying, "We are disappointed the court reduced his sentence today, but we respect the decision."

McClain's mother, Sheneen McClain, did not attend the hearing and opposed the sentence reduction. Cichuniec was among three responders convicted for McClain's death, a case that sparked widespread protests and led to significant changes in law enforcement protocols regarding ketamine use.

Link: Denver Post