Two Indianapolis police officers, Adam Ahmad and Steven Sanchez, were acquitted of all charges in the 2022 death of Herman Whitfield III, a 39-year-old experiencing a mental health crisis. Jurors found the officers not guilty of manslaughter, reckless homicide, and battery after a trial that highlighted conflicting narratives about the incident.
Whitfield’s parents called 911 on April 25, 2022, seeking help for their son, who was “having a psychosis.” Officers found him naked, bleeding from the mouth, and walking around. According to police, Whitfield “moved quickly towards an officer,” prompting the use of a stun gun. He was restrained in a prone position and handcuffed while awaiting medics. When asked to roll over, he was unresponsive. CPR was initiated, but Whitfield was later pronounced dead at a hospital.
The autopsy attributed his death to “cardiopulmonary arrest in the setting of law enforcement subdual, prone restraint, and conducted electrical weapon use,” listing obesity and hypertensive cardiovascular disease as contributing factors. The death was ruled a homicide. Prosecutor Ryan Mears called it a “tragedy,” stating, “Herman Jr. and Gladys Whitfield reached out for help… and the result of what ensued was an absolute tragedy.”
Defense attorney John Kautzman argued the officers acted appropriately, stating, “Nobody, especially sworn police officers, are in the business of going out and harming people…they were trying to help.” The officers maintained they used necessary measures to ensure safety.
Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Chief Chris Bailey extended condolences to the Whitfield family, calling the death a “devastating loss.” Ahmad and Sanchez, who had been on leave, will return to duty after completing refresher training.
Whitfield’s death sparked comparisons to George Floyd’s 2020 murder, leading to renewed scrutiny of police restraint practices. Deputy Prosecutor Janna Skelton argued the officers’ actions caused Whitfield’s death, while the defense claimed his heart failure occurred independently of their actions.
Reflecting on their loss, Whitfield’s father described him as “a wonderful young man,” and his mother added, “He didn’t do anything to be killed.”
Link: NBCNews
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