A Colorado judge has reduced the sentence of Peter Cichuniec, a paramedic convicted in the death of Elijah McClain, to four years of probation, releasing him from prison on Friday. Cichuniec had been sentenced to prison in March for his role in administering a fatal dose of ketamine to McClain during a police encounter in 2019.
Judge Cites Extenuating Circumstances in Sentence Reduction
Judge Mark Warner, who initially sentenced Cichuniec, stated that the case involved “unusual and extenuating circumstances,” allowing the reduction under Colorado law after Cichuniec had served at least 119 days in prison. Warner noted that Cichuniec had no prior criminal history and had made quick decisions during the incident as the lead paramedic. Cichuniec had an 18-year career as a firefighter and paramedic before his conviction.
The judge acknowledged the significant pressure faced by Cichuniec the night of McClain’s arrest but also emphasized the seriousness of the case. Warner’s ruling allows Cichuniec to serve probation instead of continuing his prison term, though the exact date of his release was not immediately clear.
Background: The Death of Elijah McClain
Elijah McClain, a 23-year-old Black massage therapist, was walking in a Denver suburb in 2019 when police responding to a suspicious person report restrained him and placed him in a neck hold. McClain’s final words, “I can’t breathe,” echoed those of George Floyd, whose death in 2020 sparked nationwide protests.
Cichuniec and fellow paramedic Jeremy Cooper were convicted of criminally negligent homicide for administering ketamine to McClain, a sedative linked to his death. Cichuniec was also convicted of second-degree assault for giving the drug without consent or legitimate medical justification. Cooper received a lesser sentence of 14 months in jail with work release and probation.
Controversy Surrounding the Use of Ketamine
McClain’s death brought attention to the use of ketamine by paramedics to subdue suspects, raising questions about the drug’s safety. The case led to widespread concern within the medical and paramedic community about potential criminal liability when administering the drug in high-pressure situations.
Judge Warner emphasized that the case had already achieved a “deterrence effect,” likely preventing similar actions by medical professionals in the future.
Mixed Reactions to Sentence Reduction
Following the announcement of the reduced sentence, supporters of Cichuniec celebrated the decision. “Pete is coming home!” they cried out in the courtroom. The International Association of Fire Fighters also expressed relief, stating that Cichuniec “did not belong behind bars” and warning against criminal prosecutions that could deter paramedics and firefighters from doing their jobs.
However, police reform advocates and supporters of McClain’s family were dismayed by the reduction. Candice Bailey, an advocate who had worked to bring awareness to McClain’s death, called the decision “disturbing.”
“When you’re talking about a life being taken, and then you see someone being put on probation — it is absolutely mind-boggling to me,” Bailey said.
