Elijah McClain died after a police stop and ketamine injection. Now, 2 officers are on trial

By COLLEEN SLEVIN
Associated Press

BRIGHTON, Colo. (AP) — A trial is opening soon against two police officers charged in the 2019 death of Elijah McClain. The Black man was put in a neck hold and injected with the powerful sedative ketamine while walking home in a Denver suburb. His death later became a rallying cry amid nationwide protests and spurred police reform in Colorado. After jury selection wraps up Wednesday, lawyers for the two sides are expected to paint contrasting pictures of the struggle between the officers and the 23-year-old massage therapist. The two officers have pleaded not guilty to charges of criminally negligent homicide, manslaughter and assault.