An expert specializing in the use of force recently defended the tactics employed by security guards who restrained a man on the floor of a Detroit-area mall, leading to his death. Charles Key, a consultant and former Baltimore police supervisor who provides training on the use of force, testified on Friday that the guards’ actions were justifiable. The incident in question involved the death of McKenzie Cochran over a decade ago at Northland Center.

During the trial of three guards facing involuntary manslaughter charges for Cochran’s death, it was revealed that the 25-year-old, who had an enlarged heart, repeatedly expressed difficulty breathing while being held face down on the ground. Despite hearing Cochran’s pleas of “I can’t breathe,” Key maintained that the actions of the guards were reasonable. He emphasized that verbal communication indicates breathing and that resistance can impact oxygen intake.

The altercation, captured on video in 2014, originated when a jewelry store owner alerted security about Cochran’s threatening statements. Following his refusal to leave the mall, a guard pepper-sprayed him, escalating the situation. Subsequently, five guards became involved in trying to restrain Cochran, with one guard attempting to handcuff him. It was later discovered that Cochran was not armed.

Key further justified the guards’ actions by suggesting that Cochran posed a significant threat based on the information available at the time. He highlighted that the guards solely aimed to handcuff Cochran without employing additional force apart from the initial use of pepper spray. Despite the medical examiner classifying Cochran’s death as accidental in 2014 and the Oakland County prosecutor’s decision not to press charges, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel revisited the case in 2021, resulting in charges being filed against the guards.

John Seiberling, Gaven King, and Aaron Maree are currently facing accusations of gross negligence in relation to Cochran’s death. One of the guards opted to plead guilty last week, anticipating a 90-day jail sentence. The guard who took the lead in the confrontation with Cochran passed away in 2017.