IMPD Officers Found Not Guilty in Death of Herman Whitfield III
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INDIANAPOLIS — More than two years after Herman Whitfield III died following an encounter with police, a jury has determined that the officers involved are not guilty.
You probably remember the April 2022 incident that received national attention. Whitfield’s parents had apparently called for help when he was experiencing a mental health crisis.
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Video footage later indicated that Whitfield couldn’t breathe while in handcuffs. He was taken to the hospital, but he did not survive.
IMPD Officers Adam Ahmad and Steven Sanchez were indicted in April of 2023 and charged with involuntary manslaughter, reckless homicide, and more. They were found not guilty Friday.
Following this verdict, Hoosier leaders and organizations responded.
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Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears said, “Herman Jr. and Gladys Whitfield reached out for help…and the result of what ensued was an absolute tragedy.”
Indy FOP President Rick Snyder argued that the man’s death was “the result of a medical matter,” as well as his “actions, physical condition, and narcotics induced delirium.”
He noted that IMPD officers “keep getting used a political fodder for failed prosecutorial theater.”
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The Baptist Minister’s Alliance and the Concerned Clergy of Indianapolis released a statement, in which they called the verdict a “reminder of the systemic failures within our justice system.”
IMPD Chief Chris Bailey also explained that the two “will complete refresher training,” after which they will “resume their normal duties.”
He said, “Cases like this are deeply difficult, and there are no true winners.”
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