Indianapolis Officers Stand Trial Over Death of Herman Whitfield III During Mental Health Crisis
The trial examines the fatal 2022 incident where Whitfield, a Black pianist, died after being tased and restrained by police responding to a 911 call from his parents.
- Herman Whitfield III, a 39-year-old Black pianist, died in April 2022 after police responded to his parents' 911 call for help during his mental health crisis.
- Officers Adam Ahmad and Steven Sanchez are charged with reckless homicide, involuntary manslaughter, and multiple counts of battery in connection to Whitfield's death.
- The Marion County Coroner's Office ruled Whitfield's death a homicide caused by cardiopulmonary arrest due to law enforcement restraint and stun gun use, with contributing factors including obesity and cardiovascular disease.
- Prosecutors argue the officers ignored Whitfield's repeated claims that he couldn’t breathe while he was restrained face-down; defense attorneys claim the officers followed training and acted reasonably given Whitfield’s behavior.
- The case has sparked calls for police accountability and the implementation of clinician-led responses to mental health emergencies.
ABC News 