PONTIAC, Mich. (WXYZ) — A jury has been seated in the trial for former Northland Mall security guards in the 2014 death of 25-year-old Mckenzie Cochran of Ferndale.
Jury selection began Monday morning for the case against John Sieberling, Gaven King and Aaron Maree. The jurors were seated just after 2 p.m. on Monday.
The prosecution and defense gave their opening statements, and then the first witness was called to the stand.
"Sieberling, King and Maree are criminally responsible for his death, and evidence will show they ignored his pleas for help," said the prosecutor.
The defense pushed back, arguing security never meant to kill Mckenzie and never used excessive force.
"You’re not going to hear anything about chokeholds, kicking or blatant disregard. Officers thought they were providing security and safety for the mall," said the defense attorney.
VIDEOS: Hear opening statements from the prosecutor and defense attorneys below
WATCH BELOW: Security guards facing manslaughter charges in 2014 death of McKenzie Cochran
Back in 2014, cell phone video exposed by 7 News Detroit reporter Simon Shaykhet showed four former guards pepper spray and hold Cochran face down while he screamed “I can’t breathe” after refusing to leave.
Cochran later died from asphyxiation.
WATCH BELOW: Family of McKenzie Cochran responds to 10-month review following Derek Chauvin verdict
After prosecutors declined to file charges, years later, the case was re-opened at the request of family, and in 2021, Lucius Hamilton, John Sieberling, Gaven King and Aaron Maree were all charged with involuntary manslaughter.
According to a court filing, Hamilton pleaded guilty during a pre-trial hearing on Aug. 16 and is scheduled to be sentenced in October.
Haunting cell phone video showed him face down, handcuffed and begging for help. Security guards placed a knee in his back. He was already pepper sprayed, after refusing to leave the mall.
McKenzie‘s family says disturbing images and chilling admissions by security officers still haunt them every day, including one who admitted in civil court that they said, “Whatever you do, do not let him up. Don’t let him get up.” Another adding, "I found out later that night he was dead.”
