Pierce County Council approves $4 million settlement with family of Manuel Ellis

The family of Manuel Ellis agreed to settle a lawsuit against Pierce County for more than $4 million Monday, according to an attorney representing the family.

Ellis, a 33-year-old Black man, died on March 3, 2020, just weeks before George Floyd’s death triggered a nationwide reckoning on race and policing.

Ellis died after being tazed, tackled, and punched by three Tacoma police officers. He repeatedly told the officers he couldn’t breathe as he was restrained.

Ellis’ family filed a federal lawsuit over his death in September of last year.

“This proposed settlement will bring the county’s involvement with this lawsuit to a close,” said Adam Faber, the communications manager for the Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. “We recognize that the family and friends of Manuel Ellis are grieving, and we hope this settlement will give them some measure of closure.”

The family has also filed a lawsuit against the City of Tacoma, which is pending.

Three Tacoma police officers are facing criminal charges related to to their involvement in Ellis’ death.

The Pierce County Council was set to vote on the settlement Tuesday and approved $4,010,000.

Read a statement from the council below:

Today the Pierce County Council approved a $4,010,000 settlement agreement reached with the family of Manuel Ellis.

No monetary value will ever compensate for the loss or heartache Mr. Ellis’ family and loved ones experienced over the last two years. Nor will it stop the Ellis family or community from grieving his death.

With the adoption of this settlement, Council is ending Pierce County’s involvement with the lawsuit. Council hopes our community will continue to heal, move forward stronger, and remain committed to making Pierce County a safe, just place for all.

The KIRO Newsradio Newsdesk contributed to this report.