Special prosecutor William Camm Seay announced Friday a Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper has been charged in the drowning death of a handcuffed man.
Trooper Anthony Piercy is charged with first-degree involuntary manslaughter in the death of Brandon Ellingson.
On May 31, 2014, Ellingson, 20, was being transported on suspicion of boating while intoxicated at the Lake of the Ozarks.
Craig Ellingson says today’s manslaughter charges for Trooper Anthony Piercy is a start.
“I think we’re getting somewhere now so hopefully I think Brandon’s smiling down on us, you know? Appreciates what we’re doing. You know we’re not going to quit until we get justice,” said Ellingson.
The special prosecutor alleges Piercy recklessly caused Ellingson’s death by handcuffing him behind his back, while Ellingson was under the influence of alcohol, and by not properly securing his life vest, thereby causing Ellingson’s death when he fell into the water.
The Associated Press reports Piercy primarily patrolled roads and said previously he lacked training to handle the situation.
For the Ellingson family, justice means more than just a guilty verdict against Piercy.
“It’s a start you know. The people that are, were trying to cover it up and protect Anthony Piercy need to be exposed also. And that’s what we’re in the process of doing,” said Ellingson, who is suing Piercy and the Missouri Highway Patrol for is son Brandon’s drowning death.
The drowning led to questions about a decision to merge the state's water and highway patrol.
A Legislative report found that the merger resulted in less training for troopers working on state waterways.
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