The only Aurora police officer convicted in the 2019 death of Elijah McClain has been sentenced to 14 months in Adams County Jail on Friday. Former cop Randy Roedema was found guilty of criminally negligent homicide and third-degree assault for his actions that led to McClain’s death. Roedema was one of the five first responders indicted in the case, including fellow Aurora officers Nathan Woodyard and Jason Rosenblatt.
The incident occurred after an emergency caller flagged McClain as wearing a ski mask and looking “sketchy.” McClain, who repeatedly stated that he could not breathe, was restrained and subdued by the officers, with Roedema captured on body camera footage picking him up and slamming him into the ground. Later that evening, paramedics injected McClain with ketamine, leading to his death.
During Roedema’s sentencing hearing, the defense team asked for probation only, citing his military career and lack of criminal history. Roedema expressed remorse for his actions and extended condolences to McClain’s family. McClain’s mother, Sheneen McClain, stated that the officers “are not supposed to be murderers, but that is what Randy Roedema became the night he bullied my son to death,” and added that protecting the community was “the furthest thing from his mind” that night.
An attorney for Roedema mentioned during sentencing statements that the officer intends to appeal the decision. The other two officers involved in the incident have been found guilty and are set to be sentenced at a later date.
In conclusion, former Aurora police officer Randy Roedema has been sentenced to 14 months in jail for his involvement in the death of Elijah McClain. The incident has sparked discussions about police accountability and excessive use of force.