Christopher Burbank, one of the three police officers involved in the death of Manuel Ellis in Pierce County in March 2020, resigned today, two days after he was sworn in as lateral patrol deputy in the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO).
This move came after TCSO received overwhelming criticism by the community for hiring Burbank.
In his official statement, Sheriff Sanders apologized for not having considered the community impact on the Ellis case that Burbank, along with two other Tacoma Police Department officers, were involved in.
“When I made the decision to hire Deputy Burbank, I failed to consider the greater community impact and instead made the decision based on business needs to remedy TCSO’s staffing crisis. Furthermore, I entirely misjudged community perception on the investigation and jury process that Deputy Burbank completed,” Sheriff Sanders stated in his official statement. “I recognize the harm this has caused to marginalized communities, and I was wrong.”
Sheriff Sanders then proceeded to expound on feeling immense pressure to address TCSO’s understaffing issue after losing many staff who have transferred to other agencies offering higher pay.
Sanders further stated that because of this matter, he now has a new perception of the criminal justice system and has seen the need to review crisis response procedures.
“For those who have lost confidence in me, or what we’re trying to accomplish at TCSO, I apologize for letting you down,” said Sanders.
The TCSO sheriff then closed his statement with an announcement that he would schedule a public forum where the citizens could address their concerns to him directly.
Burbank, sworn in last Monday as a lateral patrol deputy, would have started working in the same county where Ellis’ sister resides.
Monet Carter-Mixon, in her testimony during the court trial, said that she will be moving out of Pierce County to Thurston County out of fear for herself and her family.
TCSO has been under public scrutiny for the hiring, with the community voicing their concerns through the agency’s Facebook post.
One commented, “Thurston County Sheriff Department is letting their community down by allowing such a person to be a part of their force! This is outrageous and dangerous. You’re giving this individual lead way to do this to another LIFE! Does public safety, equality, and accountability not matter to your force?”
Another commented, “This guy killed somebody in Tacoma, resigned, cost the taxpayers their 5 million dollars – and now he’s patrolling our streets. Unless this is addressed, this will be the last time Sanders get a vote from me.”
“Well, I was all in for supporting you, but this hire takes all the credibility you’ve earned with decisions you’ve made towards better policing, and thrown it in the toilet. Completely disappointed in your judgement,” commented another netizen.
While some showed their disappointment, others supported Burbank’s hiring, with one saying, “Congratulations to TCSO and to Deputy Burbank. Thurston County is fortunate to have a new lateral hire with so much experience. Wishing you all the best as you continue your career in law enforcement.”
Another commented, “Sheriff Sanders, your hiring decisions have worked out well. We truly hope this officer step up and makes you and the public proud. We believe.”
A friend of Manuel Ellis turned to Reddit to show his dismay and posted, “Sheriff Sanders, your friend killed my friend. Why hire this guy?”
Sanders responded to this Reddit forum and stated that their background investigators have investigated Burbank’s personal and professional life for two months and has not seen Burbank violating any policy.
Sanders further mentioned that Burbank has also passed the polygraph examination as part of the hiring process.
“We can say definitively, based on the local prosecutor review, the initial investigation, the evidence of the case, the follow-up investigation, the jury decision, the polygraph examination, and background investigation, that Burbank did not commit a crime,” the sheriff further stated.
Burbank, along with fellow police officer Matthew Collins, were charged with second-degree murder and first-degree manslaughter, while Timothy Rankine was charged with first-degree manslaughter.
The three officers were found not guilty of all charges by jury decision last December.
The three received $500,000 each for voluntary resignation and were deemed “in good standing” by the Tacoma Police Department.
Burbank, Collins, and Rankine have been accused of homicide after the alleged beating and hog-tying of the 33-year-old black man.
Ellis was on his way home after buying a box of doughnuts in a 7/11 store on March 3, 2020, when the three officers arrested him for allegedly trying to open car doors on a traffic stop sign.
The three officers alleged that Ellis was being aggressive and dangerous and had no choice but to tackle him on the ground, tased him several times, and hogtied him.
According to witnesses, one who recorded the incident, Ellis was not being aggressive and was heard shouting, “I can’t breathe, Sir.”
The official autopsy showed respiratory arrest due to hypoxia caused by physical restraint as Ellis’ cause of death.
7 comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here
DeaneTR
Sure would be nice if our county Sheriff wasn't a politician first and peace officer second. Everything that he says seems more about protecting his personal image and getting more money for his office than building a stronger, more connected community. Everything he said above is going to help protect him in the next election when one of his cops kills the next Manuel Ellis and they get away with it because cops thrive on being above the law and knowing there are no consequences for even committing murder!
Thursday, April 4 Report this
Madeline_Bishop
I appreciate Sanders swift corrective action. We need to stop expecting perfection from our elected officials.
Thursday, April 4 Report this
HotTractor
I've been pretty impressed with Sheriff Sanders and in his involvement with the community.
Thursday, April 4 Report this
Yeti1981
Why would this guy not deserve a second chance after being acquitted?
Thursday, April 4 Report this
William M
So the officer is proven innocent in a court of law, but found guilty by public opinion despite the facts? I am glad TCSO had the courage to hire him, but I think the public rejection was foreseeable.
Regarding the comment below about the Sheriff being a politician. He is elected, so my necessity he is also a politician. That is a good thing for the community, because it holds that position accountable to the people. I also think he is one heck of a good sheriff.
Thursday, April 4 Report this
Claire
Its unfortunate Sanders folded like a cheap suit. Kinda like Mayor Selby taking a knee during the disgusting blm riots. Pathetic.
Thursday, April 4 Report this
DavidAlbert
So we have a so-called staffing shortage, but crime rates haven't gone up. Maybe we don't need those staff to begin with?
Thursday, April 4 Report this