In a courtroom in Pontiac, Michigan, a trial is unfolding that revisits a tragic incident from a decade ago. Three security guards - John Seiberling, Gaven King, and Aaron Maree - face involuntary manslaughter charges for their involvement in the 2014 death of McKenzie Cochran at the now-demolished Northland Center mall in Southfield.
Hoy Monk II, a former Foot Locker employee, provided crucial testimony on the second day of the trial. Monk recounted witnessing 25-year-old Cochran repeatedly saying, "I can't breathe," as security personnel held him on the ground. The incident, which occurred on January 28, 2014, began when Cochran refused to leave the mall following a tense interaction with a jewelry store owner.
The confrontation escalated after a guard used pepper spray on Cochran, leading to five guards restraining him. Monk testified that despite Cochran's pleas, the guards continued their efforts to handcuff him. By the time Cochran was secured and moved to an upright position, Monk observed that his eyes were closed.
"They never stomped on him. They never kicked him. Just trying to restrain him."
Labieb Ansara, the jewelry store owner, testified that Cochran had visited his store a day prior, giving him a "death stare." Ansara claimed that before the altercation with the guards, Cochran returned, stating he "wanted to kill someone."
The case has a complex history. Initially, the Oakland County prosecutor declined to file charges in 2014, stating that any mistakes made did not constitute criminal behavior. However, in 2021, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel reopened the case and brought charges against the guards.
Defense attorneys have urged jurors to consider each guard's actions individually, arguing that Cochran was perceived as a volatile threat at the time. The trial continues to unfold, bringing attention to issues of mall security, use of force, and accountability.
This case bears similarities to other high-profile incidents involving the phrase "I can't breathe," which gained national attention in 2014 due to the death of Eric Garner in New York City. It highlights ongoing discussions about the use of force by security personnel and the potential risks associated with physical restraint techniques.
The trial also sheds light on the changing landscape of American retail. Northland Center, once a pioneering shopping destination that opened in 1954, was demolished in 2021 to make way for redevelopment. This reflects a broader trend of repurposing former mall sites across the United States, often into mixed-use projects combining retail, residential, and office spaces.
As the trial progresses, it serves as a reminder of the long-lasting impact of such incidents on communities and the importance of proper training and protocols for security personnel in public spaces.