(WXYZ) — Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has announced plans to review the 2014 death of 25-year-old McKenzie Cochran, held down by security at Northland Mall in Southfield.
RELATED: AG Nessel agrees to review McKenzie Cochran case
On cell video he could be heard saying “I can’t breathe. I can’t breathe.” as guards replied “If you can talk, you can breathe.” Six years later loved ones are calling an outside review a huge break for their family, after the prosecutor in Oakland County declined to charge those guards.
McKenzie has been pepper sprayed and held down by guards, prior to his death. One guard also placed a knee into his back, similar to what occurred in the death of George Floyd. McKenzie’s brother Michael tells us his mother cried today, after hearing of a new review.
“I called her up and said mom the AG is going to review the case. Again, she got emotional. This is progress from my experience and hopefully gives other people hope” Michael said.
Attorney Gerald Thurswell adds, “The family is overjoyed the review will happen and hopefully there will be charges. These guards have to be held accountable criminally. They killed somebody.”
Michael Cochran tells us his brother’s death from positional asphyxia could’ve been avoided if those guards were properly trained, or simply released McKenzie as he begged to breathe. So far it’s unknown how long a review will take.
