The prosecution has rested its case in the trial of two Indianapolis police officers accused in the killing of Herman Whitfield III. Officer Steven Sanchez took the stand in his own defense against manslaughter and battery charges, claiming he never heard Whitfield say he couldn’t breathe while being handcuffed. Defense witnesses, including an IMPD training instructor, testified that the officers followed department policy in keeping Whitfield in a prone position due to his agitated state. However, a use of force expert called by the prosecution argued that keeping Whitfield in the prone position after being handcuffed violated department policy. Another prosecution witness, Mark Kroll, testified that Whitfield should have been able to breathe well enough to live despite being in the prone position. The defense is expected to finish presenting evidence on Thursday, with closing arguments and jury deliberations to follow on Friday. The case has sparked debate over police tactics and use of force in Indianapolis.
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