Southfield, Michigan – After a five-day long trial, three security guards were found not guilty over accusations of causing death by sticking to unlawful methods back in 2014. The ordeal took place in Northland Mall, and the victim was a 25-year-old man, McKenzie Cochran.
Upon hearing the verdict, the guards could not contain their relief. The week was filled with intense testimonials and close scrutiny of the event. Deliberation by the jury took less than three hours.
Involved in the incident were security guards – Lucius Hamilton, John Seiberling, Gaven King, and Aaron Maree. It was reported that Cochran was held down by the guards after an employee of the mall claimed that he was acting suspicious near a jewelry store. This led to him being asked to exit the premises.
The situation escalated as Cochran was pinned to the floor and pepper-sprayed. A fifth guard who originally strove to handle Cochran passed away in 2017. During the scuffle that took place, Cochran continuously pleaded that he was unable to breathe. This, as stated by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, happened due to the way he was positioned on the ground.
After he was handcuffed and they saw that Cochran was not responding, the guards informed the EMS. Attempts to save him on-site failed and he was declared dead after being transported to the hospital.
Initially, Cochran’s death was labeled as accidental by the medical examiner back in 2014, causing the Oakland County prosecutor to avoid pressing charges. However, in 2021, the guards were charged with a count of involuntary manslaughter.
In the end, Hamilton has admitted guilt and is likely to serve 90-days of jail time in October. The outcome of the trial has brought a certain level of closure to the ordeal, but the legacy of the incident remains in the minds of those who remember Cochran.
