Paramedic Who Played a Role in Elijah McClain’s Death Receives 5-Year Prison Sentence

Former Aurora Fire Rescue lieutenant Peter Cichuniec, 51, received a five-year prison sentence for his involvement in the death of Elijah McClain, who died after being administered a lethal dose of ketamine following a police incident in 2019. Cichuniec, along with another paramedic, Jeremy Cooper, was found guilty of criminally negligent homicide for their roles in McClain’s death, as reported by multiple sources.

Cichuniec, responsible for scene safety during the emergency response, ordered the administration of ketamine to McClain, according to the 2021 indictment. All five officers and paramedics involved in the incident faced charges of manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide, with Cichuniec and Cooper found guilty in December.

McClain, an unarmed Black man, was confronted by police officers after being reported as suspicious. He was restrained and injected with ketamine, resulting in his death. Following McClain’s death, Colorado’s legislature banned the use of neck holds by police officers. Randy Roedema, one of the officers involved, was convicted of criminally negligent homicide, while the other two officers were acquitted of their charges. Cooper’s sentencing is scheduled for April.