A security guard involved in the death of a man at a Detroit-area mall over a decade ago will not face additional jail time, a judge has ruled. The incident, which occurred in 2014, involved the guard, Lucius Hamilton, and resulted in the death of McKenzie Cochran after he repeatedly said, “I can’t breathe,” while being pinned to the ground.
Hamilton, who was one of four guards charged in connection to Cochran’s death, was the only one convicted. He pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter just before the trial, while the other guards were acquitted by an Oakland County jury on August 23. Despite the judge initially considering a 90-day jail sentence for Hamilton, he was sentenced to just two days with credit for time served.
During the sentencing, Hamilton’s defense attorney, Mohammed Nasser, had requested 90 days of house arrest, emphasizing Hamilton’s remorse and willingness to resolve the matter. Nasser expressed his belief that justice was served, highlighting the judge’s opportunity to understand the factual scenario presented during the trial.
The altercation between the security guards and Cochran began when he made threatening remarks to a jewelry shop owner at Northland Center. Initially involving two guards and the use of pepper spray, the situation escalated as more guards joined in an attempt to handcuff Cochran. The defense argued that the guards were acting in self-defence and to protect mall patrons, stating that the cause of death was ultimately asphyxiation.
Despite the local prosecutor declining to press charges in 2014, the case was revisited by Michigan’s attorney general in 2020 following the death of George Floyd. Floyd’s high-profile death reignited discussions around police brutality against Black individuals and prompted a re-examination of Cochran’s case. Prosecutors did not allege that race played a role in Cochran’s death.
This decision not to impose additional jail time on the security guard involved in the Detroit-area mall incident has sparked discussions around accountability, justice, and the need for reform within the security industry. As the case continues to unfold, it raises questions about the handling of similar incidents and the measures in place to prevent such tragedies in the future.