Canton Police Officers Indicted in Frank Tyson Death, Echoes Past Tragedies

By Darius Spearman (africanelements)

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KEY TAKEAWAYS
Frank Tyson died on April 18, 2024, after a violent altercation with police.
Officers Camden Burch and Beau Schoenegge were indicted on reckless homicide charges.
An autopsy ruled Tyson’s death a homicide linked to police restraint and other factors.
Despite body camera footage, charges against the officers took months to file.
The indictment reflects systemic issues in law enforcement regarding Black lives.
Calls for comprehensive police reform and greater accountability are essential to prevent future tragedies.

The Death of Frank Tyson: Another Black Life Lost to Police Brutality

In a sadly familiar story, another Black man’s life ended due to police actions. Frank Tyson, a 53-year-old from Canton, Ohio, died on April 18, 2024, after a violent encounter with local officers. This event warns us about ongoing racism in our nation’s policing.

The Fateful Night: A Chronicle of Deadly Force

On that night, Tyson crashed his car into an electrical pole. Trying to find shelter, he entered a nearby veteran’s hall. This led to a call for police assistance. What followed was a sequence of events that ended in tragedy for Tyson.

Officers Camden Burch and Beau Schoenegge arrived, and a confrontation soon escalated. Tyson was forcibly held face-down on the floor, with a knee pressing into his back. Despite his cries for help, the officers ignored him and used harsh language. (WKYC).

This tragic event mirrored George Floyd’s final moments, highlighting the disregard for Black lives in law enforcement. Tyson’s cries were ignored while the officers continued their forceful actions.

Autopsy Findings: A Damning Indictment

The autopsy revealed the harsh truth about Tyson’s death. It was ruled a homicide. The cause was cardiopulmonary arrest tied to physical struggle and prone restraint. Factors included cocaine and alcohol intoxication, obesity, and heart disease. (News 5 Cleveland).

These results show how police violence can have lethal outcomes, especially with existing health issues. This is a deadly combination that often impacts Black people in police incidents.

The Wheels of Justice: Slow and Inadequate

On November 1, 2024, nearly seven months later, officers Burch and Schoenegge faced reckless homicide charges. These third-degree felonies could lead to three years in prison and a $10,000 fine, yet many feel the punishment is not enough. (CBS News).

The legal case showed a lack of accountability. Both officers pled not guilty and were released on a $25,000 bond. This amount highlights the undervaluing of Black lives in the justice system. (WKYC).

A Pattern of Injustice

Tyson’s death is part of a larger issue of police violence against Black Americans. Cases like George Floyd and Eric Garner involved Black men pleading for air while restrained by officers.

This repeating nightmare shows deep-rooted racism in policing. It’s not just about “bad apples” but questions the actual practices of law enforcement.

The Role of Body Cameras: A Double-Edged Sword

After Tyson’s death, Canton police released body camera footage on April 24, 2024. While transparency is good, it raises doubts about body cameras’ effectiveness in preventing police violence.

Video evidence hasn’t stopped violent policing or ensured quick justice. For Tyson, it took months for charges to be filed, despite the shocking footage.

Challenging the System: Beyond Reform

Frank Tyson’s death shows that small reforms can’t solve the racism and violence in policing. We must rethink public safety and go beyond traditional police methods by investing in community solutions.

It requires us to address crime’s root causes and tackle racial discrimination within our justice system.

Understanding Systemic Racism in Policing

Moreover, it’s important to understand how systemic racism shapes interactions between law enforcement and Black communities. This form of racism goes beyond individual biases; it is embedded in institutions and often appears normal. For instance, unfair lending practices, biased policing, and voter suppression laws are all outcomes of systemic racism (Health Affairs Journal).

The Dangers of Prone Restraint

Another critical issue is the use of prone restraint by police officers. This technique involves holding a person face down on the ground, sometimes with weight applied to their back or neck. While officers may use it to control a situation, it can lead to serious harm or even death. Cases like Frank Tyson’s and George Floyd’s highlight the lethal risks associated with this method (United Nations Report).

Despite its dangers, prone restraint remains a common practice. Therefore, there’s a growing call for law enforcement agencies to ban or severely limit its use. Emphasizing safer alternatives can prevent unnecessary deaths and build trust within communities.

Legal Accountability and Reckless Homicide

The charges against officers Burch and Schoenegge bring attention to legal terms like reckless homicide. This charge means causing someone’s death through reckless actions without intent to kill. It differs from murder, which involves intent, and manslaughter, which involves negligence. Understanding these distinctions helps the public grasp the legal proceedings in cases of police violence.

However, many argue that charges like reckless homicide do not fully reflect the severity of the officers’ actions. The legal system often struggles to hold law enforcement accountable due to complex laws and protections for officers. This challenge emphasizes the need for legal reform to ensure true justice (National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers).

The Role of Body Cameras: Limitations and Potential

While body cameras are intended to increase transparency, their effectiveness is debated. In Tyson’s case, body camera footage was available, yet it took months for charges to be filed. This delay raises questions about whether these devices truly deter misconduct or expedite justice.

Furthermore, body cameras depend on policies for their use. Officers might choose when to turn them on or off, and access to the footage can be restricted. Thus, body cameras alone are not enough; clear policies and accountability are essential to make them effective tools for justice.

Addressing Socioeconomic Factors and Investing in Communities

Investing in communities is vital to combating the root causes of crime and improving public safety. Socioeconomic factors like poverty, lack of education, and limited opportunities contribute to higher crime rates. By addressing these issues, we can reduce the need for heavy policing and create safer environments.

Community-based solutions include funding education, job training programs, and mental health services. These initiatives empower individuals and address problems before they escalate. Advocating for increased investment in these areas can lead to lasting positive change (Health Affairs Journal).

A Call to Action: Justice for Frank Tyson

As officers Burch and Schoenegge face trial, it’s important to demand accountability and justice. But beyond this, we need systemic changes to stop police violence against Black Americans.

1. Call for strong police reform laws
2. Support community-led safety efforts
3. Push for more social service funding
4. Keep raising awareness and amplifying Black voices

The fight for Tyson is a battle for all Black lives lost to police actions. We are up against a system that views Black bodies as expendable, and we must fight until true justice and equality prevail.

In Conclusion: A System in Need of Overhaul

Frank Tyson’s death is a stark reminder of urgent changes in how we handle policing and safety. As we wait for the trial of officers Burch and Schoenegge, we must focus on the bigger fight for racial justice and equality.

We must go beyond small reforms and face the deep-seated racism taking Black lives. Only through a complete overhaul can we hope for a future without tragedies like Frank Tyson’s death.

FAQ

Q: Who was Frank Tyson, and how did he die?
A: Frank Tyson was a 53-year-old resident of Canton, Ohio, who died on April 18, 2024, after a violent encounter with police following a vehicle crash. He was restrained by officers, despite pleading that he couldn’t breathe, and his death was ruled a homicide.

Q: What did the autopsy report reveal about Tyson’s death?
A: The autopsy report indicated that Tyson died from cardiopulmonary arrest linked to a physical altercation and prone restraint. Contributing factors included acute intoxication by substances and pre-existing health conditions.

Q: What legal actions were taken against the officers involved?
A: Officers Camden Burch and Beau Schoenegge were indicted on November 1, 2024, on charges of reckless homicide. They pleaded not guilty and were released on a $25,000 bond.

Q: How has Tyson’s case been contextualized within broader issues of police violence?
A: Tyson’s death is viewed as part of a longstanding pattern of police violence against Black Americans, echoing cases like those of George Floyd and Eric Garner, highlighting systemic racism in law enforcement.

Q: What are some recommended actions for systemic change?
A: Advocates are pushing for comprehensive police reform legislation, community-led public safety initiatives, increased investment in social services, and ongoing awareness efforts to amplify Black voices.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Darius Spearman is a professor of Black Studies at San Diego City College, where he has been teaching since 2007. He is the author of several books, including Between The Color Lines: A History of African Americans on the California Frontier Through 1890. You can visit Darius online at africanelements.org.