AURORA, Colo. — A former Aurora police officer is set to be sentenced Friday for his involvement in the 2019 death of Elijah McClain.
Randy Roedema was found guilty of criminally negligent homicide and third-degree assault for his actions in McClain’s death. Along with four other first responders, Roedema was indicted in the case.
The sentencing could range from probation up to six years in state prison for Roedema. The absence of any prior criminal history and his dedication to law enforcement could work in his favor, according to legal analyst Scott Robinson. However, prosecutors are expected to push for jail time, if not prison time.
Convicted of stopping, restraining, and subduing McClain, Roedema and fellow officers Nathan Woodyard and Jason Rosenblatt faced trial after responding to a 911 call that reported McClain was wearing a ski mask and seemed “sketchy.” The struggle intensified after Roedema alleged that McClain tried to grab Rosenblatt’s gun – an assertion that prosecutors repeatedly questioned during the trial.
Experts testified that the struggle with police left McClain in a vulnerable state, experiencing low levels of oxygen in his body, vomiting, inhaling vomit, and suffering a spike in acid in his bloodstream. McClain repeatedly stated that he could not breathe.
Roedema was fired after his conviction, while Rosenblatt, who was acquitted, had previously been fired for responding inappropriately to a photo mocking McClain.
Cooper and Cichuniec, the Aurora Fire Rescue paramedics, were found guilty of criminally negligent homicide and will be sentenced on March 1.
In summary, a former Aurora police officer faces sentencing for the death of Elijah McClain, with prosecutors seeking jail time. The struggle with police reportedly left McClain in a vulnerable state, and two paramedics found guilty of criminally negligent homicide will be sentenced on March 1.