$4M settlement reached with family of Manuel Ellis

TACOMA, Wash. — The family of Manuel Ellis agreed to settle a lawsuit against Pierce County for more than $4 million Monday, according to an attorney representing the family.

Ellis, a 33-year-old Black man, died on March 3, 2020, just weeks before George Floyd’s death triggered a nationwide reckoning on race and policing.

Ellis died after being tased, tackled and punched by three Tacoma police officers.

He repeatedly told the officers he couldn’t breathe as he was restrained.

Ellis’ family filed a federal lawsuit over his death in September of last year.

“We recognize that the family and friends of Manuel Ellis are grieving, and we hope this settlement will give them some measure of closure,” said Adam Faber, the communications manager for the Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.

The Pierce County council approved the $4,010,000 settlement agreement Tuesday.

The council said in a statement: “No monetary value will ever compensate for the loss or heartache Mr. Ellis’ family and loved ones experienced over the last two years. Nor will it stop the Ellis family or community from grieving his death. With the adoption of this settlement, Council is ending Pierce County’s involvement with the lawsuit. Council hopes our community will continue to heal, move forward stronger, and remain committed to making Pierce County a safe, just place for all.”

Three Tacoma police officers are facing criminal charges related to their involvement in Ellis’ death.

The family has also filed a lawsuit against the city of Tacoma, which is pending.

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