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Herman Whitfield III

Gender : Male

Age : 39

Race : Black

Date : 04/25/2022

Location : 3700 block of Marrison Place

City : Indianapolis

County : Marion

State : Indiana

Agency : Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD)

Officer(s) :Steven Sanchez, Adam Ahmad, Matthew Virt, Dominique Clark, Jordan Bull, Nicholas Mathew

Cause of Death : Taser

Event : Killed by police during mental health welfare check

OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :

On 04/25/2022, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officers responded to a 911 call reporting a mental health crisis involving 39-year-old Herman Whitfield III at his parents' home in Indianapolis. According to reports, Whitfield was naked and pacing inside the residence. Officers attempted to de-escalate the situation, urging Whitfield to dress and go to the hospital, but a physical altercation ensued.
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Officer Steven Sanchez deployed a Taser, causing Whitfield to fall and overturn furniture. Officers then restrained Whitfield face down on the floor while handcuffing him. Witnesses stated Whitfield repeatedly said, "I can't breathe" before becoming unresponsive. He was pronounced dead at a local hospital.
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The Marion County Coroner's Office ruled Whitfield's death a homicide due to "cardiopulmonary arrest in the setting of law enforcement subdual, prone restraint, and conducted electrical weapon use," with contributing factors including obesity and hypertension.
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In April 2023, Officers Steven Sanchez and Adam Ahmad were indicted on charges of involuntary manslaughter, reckless homicide, and battery resulting in serious bodily injury. On 12/06/2024, a jury acquitted both officers of all charges after less than three hours of deliberation. The defense argued the officers acted in accordance with their training, citing Whitfield's underlying health issues as the primary cause of death.
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A civil lawsuit filed by Whitfield's family against the city and the officers remains ongoing, with a trial scheduled for July 2025. The family alleges excessive force led to Whitfield's death and seeks unspecified damages.
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The incident is under investigation by the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.
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Last Update: 12/08/2024

SOURCE LINKS :

https://www.indystar.com/story/news/crime/2024/12/06/indianapolis-police-trial-killing-herman-whitfield-impd-officers-steven-sanchez-adam-ahmad-verdict/76656663007/
https://apnews.com/article/1f4b588f9b9498f259bbc657b4b95d6e
https://www.indystar.com/story/news/crime/2024/12/02/indianapolis-officers-herman-whitfield-iii-death-trial-steven-sanchez-adam-ahmad/76587356007/