One of the Aurora, Colorado police officers who was involved in taking pictures reenacting the carotid hold used on Eljiah McClain has resigned, according to The Hill.
“In response to inquiries by the press, Jaron Jones, hired October 31, 2016, tendered his resignation,” the Aurora Police Department tweeted Thursday (July 2). “Jones was one of the employees involved and depicted in the photograph investigation related to #ElijahMcClain. We will continue to update with developments as we proceed.”
The outlet also reports that multiple officers were involved with the photos, which were taken in October. The photos allegedly show the officers reenacting the carotid hold, which was used on McClain just days before he died, near his memorial.
The FBI is also investigating the photos and “gathering further information about that incident to determine whether a federal civil rights investigation is warranted,” according to CBS 4 Denver.
On Tuesday (June 30), it was announced that the officers involved were placed on paid leave. “Thursday (June 25) afternoon, I was apprised of allegations reported to Internal Affairs by an Aurora Police Officer alleging multiple Aurora Police officers were depicted in photographs near the site where Elijah McClain died,” said interim police chief Vanessa Wilson. “All involved officers were immediately placed on administrative leave with pay in non-enforcement capacities.”
Over four million people have signed the petition demanding justice for McClain. The City of Aurora has since banned carotid pressure holds and made it official that officers have to intervene if they believe colleagues are violating their department policy. Officers are also not required to make contact with someone who has been reported as suspicious, but rather see if a crime will be committed.
The City Council and City Manager are also working together to complete an independent investigation into McClain’s death. Check out the tweet from the Aurora Police Department below.