Canton Police Officers Face Reckless Manslaughter Charges in Death of Black Man
Two white police officers in Canton, Ohio, appeared in court on Monday following their indictment for reckless manslaughter in connection with the death of Frank E. Tyson, a 53-year-old Black man. The incident occurred during an arrest in April, where body camera footage revealed that Mr. Tyson repeatedly expressed his inability to breathe while being restrained face down. Disturbingly, it took approximately seven minutes for the officers to reposition him onto his side.
The Tyson family had anticipated more severe charges against the officers involved. John Tyson, the brother of the deceased, voiced the family’s sentiments at a news conference held on Saturday, stating, “It’s not the win that we were looking for.” Despite their disappointment, he expressed a sense of resilience, adding, “We’re going to take this small win and just build upon it.”
Stark County prosecuting attorney Kyle L. Stone addressed the media, explaining that he had presented substantial evidence and witness testimonies to a grand jury before stepping out of the room. The grand jury ultimately chose to indict the officers on a third-degree felony charge, which carries a potential sentence of up to three years in prison.
The indicted officers, identified as Beau Schoenegge and Camden Burch, have been placed on paid administrative leave pending further proceedings. In the wake of this tragic incident, supporters of the Tyson family—including local chapters of the Urban League and the N.A.A.C.P.—have called for the immediate termination of the officers and the implementation of new policies within the Canton Police Department. Their demands emphasize the need for de-escalation training and mandatory implicit bias education, framing this case as part of a broader struggle for racial justice in the Canton area.
During the court hearing on Monday, Bobby DiCello, an attorney representing the Tyson family, raised concerns regarding the potential influence of over 50 law enforcement officers present at the courthouse on the legal proceedings. He urged for a fair and impartial process in light of the charged atmosphere surrounding the case.
