Mayor Woodards on Manuel Ellis Case Updates

Mayor Victoria Woodards announced that the Washington State Patrol has finalized its investigation into the Manuel Ellis case and handed the report to the Attorney General's office for further action. This development is particularly significant for the Ellis family, who have been waiting for answers since March, and it underscores the community's demand for timely resolution. Mayor Woodards acknowledged the profound grief experienced by both the family and the community, urging the Attorney General to prioritize a thorough review. In addition to addressing the Ellis case, Tacoma is implementing comprehensive police reforms, including the deployment of body-worn cameras and adherence to the Eight Can’t Wait policies. The city is actively involved in contract negotiations with the police union to foster systemic changes and is recruiting a new Chief of Police, encouraging residents to provide feedback until November 20.

As part of the Heal the Heart of Tacoma initiative, the city is developing Racial Equity Action Plans across all departments and is committed to an anti-racist budget. These efforts reflect Tacoma's dedication to systemic transformation and addressing the impacts of systemic racism. Mayor Woodards concluded by emphasizing that the city will conduct its own independent administrative review once the Attorney General's office concludes its investigation.