Paramedic convicted in Elijah McClain’s death granted bond during appeal process

DENVER (KDVR) – A paramedic convicted in the death of Elijah McClain has been granted bail while he appeals the decision.

Jeremy Cooper was one of two paramedics found guilty of criminally negligent homicide in December of 2023, more than four years after McClain was killed.

Cooper was sentenced to serve four years of probation with 14 months of work release, in addition to serving 100 hours of useful public service.

His appeal included a request to have that sentence reconsidered, which was denied.

In the ruling, district court judge Mark Warner said, “the Court finds that the sentence imposed was and is appropriate.”

During the remainder of the appeal process, Cooper will be allowed out on bail of $5,000, Warner decided Monday.

“The Court has previously made findings on the factors in section 16-4-202 C.R.S. except for section 16-4-202(1)(i) C.R.S. In addition, the Court found that the defendant was not a flight risk or danger to the public. The conviction was not for an offense prohibiting bail set forth in Article II, Section 19, of the Colorado Constitution. The Court further finds that the appeal is not frivolous and is not being pursued for the purposes of delay pursuant to section 16-4-201.5(2)(b) C.R.S,” Warner’s decision said.

The other paramedic, Peter Cichuniec, had been convicted of criminally negligent homicide as well as second-degree assault. Cichuniec was sentenced to serve five years in prison, however a judge later reduced that sentence to four years of probation .

Three officers also stood trial for their alleged roles in McClain’s death.

One officer was found guilty of criminally negligent homicide and third-degree assault. The two other officers were acquitted of all charges, and one has returned to work as a police officer .

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