Prosecutor says officers acted ‘recklessly’ in Black man’s death during mental health crisis

Associated Press

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The trial is underway for two Indianapolis police officers charged in the death of a Black man who was shocked with a Taser and restrained face down during a mental health crisis. A prosecutor told jurors in opening statements Monday that Officers Adam Ahmad and Steven Sanchez acted “recklessly” by holding Herman Whitfield III down longer than was necessary as he was being handcuffed in his parents’ home. Ahmad and Sanchez were indicted by a grand jury in 2023 and are being tried together in Whitfield’s death. The 39-year-old gifted pianist died in April 2022. Both officers are charged with involuntary manslaughter, reckless homicide and battery.