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2 IMPD officers headed to trial in death of Herman Whitfield III

Whitfield's parents called for mental health assistance for their son, who died in police custody on April 25, 2022.

INDIANAPOLIS — Two Indianapolis Metropolitan Police officers will go on trial early next month on charges in the death of Herman Whitfield III. On Monday, Nov. 4, a judge denied a motion to dismiss the criminal charges brought by a grand jury against them.

Monday's hearing was closed to the public and to the Whitfield family because the arguments were about grand jury testimony that led to the officers' indictments. At this point, that testimony is still confidential.

Officers Steven Sanchez and Adam Ahmad face charges of involuntary manslaughter, reckless homicide and battery.

Credit: IMPD
Adam Ahmad (left) and Steven Sanchez (right) both two-year veterans at the time of Herman Whitfield' III's death, have been charged with involuntary manslaughter, reckless homicide, and multiple counts of battery.

The parents of Herman Whitfield III, along with their attorneys and other supporters, waited outside the courtroom during the hearing.

"We're disappointed in not being there and not being able to hear what the defendants' arguments are in their motion to dismiss,” Whitfield family attorney Richard Waples said. “But we understand the process, and we're patient."

Credit: Rich Nye/WTHR
Herman Whitfield Jr. and his wife, Gladys, pose for a photo outside the courtroom after a hearing for the IMPD officers who shot and killed their son.

Police body camera video shows Officer Sanchez fired a taser twice on Herman Whitfield III, then Sanchez and Officer Ahmad held Whitfield face down in handcuffs on the floor of his home around 3:20 a.m. April 25, 2022, in the 3700 block of Marrison Place, near North Sherman Drive and East 42nd Street.

His parents called for mental health assistance for their son, who died in police custody.

Credit: Arts Council of Indianapolis
Herman Whitfield III

On Monday, the judge denied a motion to dismiss the charges. So, the case goes to trial Dec. 2. The trial is expected to last one week. Jury selection is scheduled Nov. 26.

"I just hope justice prevails in this situation because first of all, these officers are citizens before they're officers, so they should be held accountable by the laws and standards of this nation, just as we are,” said Herman Whitfield Jr., Herman III’s father.

"I just echo what my husband said,” said Gladys Whitfield, Herman III’s mother. “Accountability for these officers who acted wrongly. There's no question about that in my mind."

Credit: WTHR

The Whitfield family is also suing the officers and the city. The civil case is on hold until the criminal case is decided.

The attorney for the officers told 13News the judge has ruled out criminal use of the taser in the trial. The officers will only be tried for restraining Whitfield on the floor. The defense may bring up the arguments to dismiss the case again at trial.

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