Gov. Jared Polis appoints state AG as special prosecutor to investigate Elijah McClain's death

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis designated Attorney General Phil Weiser on Thursday as a special prosecutor to investigate the death of 23-year-old Elijah McClain following a violent encounter with Aurora police last year.

The governor’s office said that if the facts support prosecution, Weiser would also criminally prosecute any individuals whose actions caused McClain’s death.

“I was moved by speaking with Elijah’s mother and her description of her son as a responsible and curious child who became a vegetarian to be healthier, and who could inspire the darkest soul,” Polis said in a statement. “His friends describe him as a gentle peacemaker who worked as a massage therapist and enjoyed playing the violin. Elijah McClain should be alive today, and we owe it to his family to take this step and elevate the pursuit of justice in his name to a statewide concern.”

Earlier Thursday, Dave Young, the prosecutor who determined there was no criminal wrongdoing by Aurora police officers or medical responders in McClain’s death, released a statement defending his decision as the case receives national attention and renewed calls for justice.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/gov-jared-polis-appoints-state-ag-as-special-prosecutor-to-investigate-elijah-mcclains-death/ar-BB15YEPF?li=BBnb7Kz