What's happened so far in the trial of Tacoma officers charged with killing Manny Ellis

For the last six weeks, jurors in Tacoma have listened to testimony in the trial against three Tacoma police officers charged in the death of 33 year-old Manuel Ellis.

Ellis, a Black man, was stopped by police on his way home from a convenience store after buying donuts and water on the night of March 3, 2020.

Ellis died at the scene after a violent struggle and restraint. At one point, officers also placed a fabric spit hood over Ellis's head.

The trial is the first test of a voter approved initiative, aimed at increasing accountability for improper use of force. Initiative 940 introduced a number of laws — including the creation of a good faith test to determine when the use of deadly force is justifiable. It also requires police officers to receive de-escalation and mental health training.

Tacoma police officers Christopher Burbank and Matthew Collins are charged with second-degree murder and first degree manslaughter. Officer Timothy Rankine is charged with first-degree manslaughter. All of the officers have pleaded not guilty.

Soundside guest host Mike Davis caught up with Peter Talbot, a criminal justice reporter for The News Tribune in Tacoma about the trial.

Listen to the full interview with Peter Talbot by clicking the "play" icon at the top of the story.