Trial Begins for Two IMPD Officers Charged in Death of Herman Whitfield III

Source: (PHOTO: WISH-TV)

INDIANAPOLIS — The trial for two Indianapolis police officers began this morning two years after they were charged in the death of a man who died in police custody.

Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Officers Adam Ahmad and Steven Sanchez were charged with involuntary manslaughter, reckless homicide, and battery for the April 2022 death of 39-year-old Herman Whitfield III.

Court documents say Whitfield’s mother called 911 the night of his death asking for an ambulance because she thought he was having a mental health crisis.

Body camera footage shows officers trying to get Whitfield to put clothes on so they could take him to the hospital. It also shows Sanchez using his taser twice, after which IMPD officers forced Whitfield to the ground and put him in handcuffs.

The Marion County coroner later ruled his death a homicide, saying his heart stopped while being restrained.

Whitfield’s death brought about immediate reactions from the art and faith communities in Indianapolis. Family and friends of Whitfield celebrated his musical talents.

The trial is supposed to last five days.

Whitfield’s parents have also sued the city and IMPD in a pair of civil cases. Those cases could head to court sometime after this trial wraps up.