Two Illinois paramedics who were shown on video strapping a black patient face down on a gurney, leading to his death, are facing first-degree murder charges.
Peggy Jill Finley, 44, and Peter J. Cadigan, 50, who is white, was charged last week after they strapped Earl L. Moore Jr., 35, into a prone position on a stretcher, after which he died of “compression and positional asphyxia,” Springfield authorities said.
At a news conference last week, Sangamon County State’s Attorney Dan Wright said police responded to a call Dec. 18 about Moore suffering from hallucinations caused by alcohol withdrawal.
Officers called for an ambulance after “quickly” realizing Moore needed medical attention, and police body camera footage shows first responders arriving on the scene about 15 minutes later.
The footage shows a female paramedic, later identified by prosecutors as Finney, frustrated and repeatedly yelling at Moore to get up and go to the ambulance.
“You’re going to have to walk because we’re not carrying you,” Finley can be heard telling Moore. “Because I’m really not in the mood for this stupid stuff.”
According to footage, He watched closely as the police tried to lift Moore off the ground to walk. Officers were able to carry Moore outside and place him on a stretcher. The second paramedic, Cadigan, then forcibly strapped him face down on his stomach.
Moore’s family will be represented by civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump, who is best known for representing the families of George Floyd, Breona Taylor and Andre Hill.
“The men and women of the Springfield Police Department join the Springfield community in mourning the needless loss of life and pledge to work with the medical care providers in our area to ensure that the citizens of Springfield receive the utmost care and attention in the time of need, “said the police in a statement.
The Springfield branch of Black Lives Matter also issued a statement calling the incident an example of the “persistent bias and racism” the black community faces even when seeking medical treatment.
“This is exacerbated in those with co-occurring mental and substance use disorders,” the group added. “Unfortunately, this incident shines a light on how dangerous it can be for the black community to seek treatment and receive medical care.”
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