Update on investigation and review of Ellis case
“Late yesterday afternoon, the Sheriff told me he had just learned a Sheriff’s Dept. deputy was on scene at some point during the detention of Manuel Ellis,” said Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney Mary Robnett. “In light of the desire for an independent investigation, after learning of this, I decided to hold off on today’s expected investigative briefing while we work out next steps.”
“On Monday I granted the attorney general jurisdiction in this case pursuant to RCW 43.10.232. I call upon him now to act on the authority I previously granted to him to investigate and review this case. That is what the Ellis family wants, what the Mayor of Tacoma wants, and what much of our community wants.”
“Sheriff Pastor and I agree that this is the right thing to do. We want this matter handled in the right way, so that the public has confidence in the investigation and the decision. We believe that the best path forward is for the attorney general to now accept concurrent jurisdiction in this case.”
“Though today’s investigative briefing was cancelled, the Sheriff and I still met with two invited participants to the briefing: Lyle Quasim and Pastor Gregory Christopher. We wanted to make sure that, as important representatives of the community, they were fully informed of the latest developments. I regret that this development means I should step back from this case, but in the situation as it now exists, that is the right decision to make.”