Second paramedic involved in Elijah McClain’s death sentenced to probation, work release and community service

Jeremy Cooper, a former paramedic in Aurora, Colorado had been punished with a sentence to four years probation. It includes a 14 months of work release. Moreover, 100 hours of community service on Friday.

Cooper and another paramedic, Peter Cichuniec, were found guilty of criminally negligent homicide. This happened in December in the death of Elijah McClain, a 23-year-old Black man, who was subdued by police and injected with ketamine on August 24, 2019.

Both of them had pleaded not guilty to the felony charges. Cichuniec was sentenced last month in a Colorado courtroom to five years in prison, the minimum.

She mentioned, “Using my son’s name won’t absolve your sins.” She also stated that Cooper and the others present failed the city of Aurora.

Before the sentencing, Cooper, his wife Tarrah, and several others spoke on his behalf. Tarrah expressed her condolences to Sheneen McClain and requested leniency for Jeremy.

Jeremy Cooper expressed a desire to speak with Elijah, and Sheneen left the courtroom during his remarks. She later returned, expressing disappointment in the lack of humanity in their statements.

Senior Assistant Attorney General Jason Slothouber emphasized Cooper’s significant responsibility in McClain’s death and highlighted the tragic contrast between Cooper’s past heroism and his role in this tragedy.