The case of Frank Tyson, a 53-year-old Black man who died in police custody in Canton, Ohio, has sparked significant controversy and calls for justice. This article delves into the details of the investigation, the charges against the involved officers, community reactions, and the ongoing legal proceedings.
The Incident
On April 18, 2024, Frank Tyson died in police custody after fleeing a traffic crash in Canton. According to the Stark County prosecutor, Tyson ran into a nearby AMVETS club in the 1700 block of Sherrick Road SE and asked someone to call the Sheriff. Instead, Canton police were called to the scene, and a struggle ensued inside the club. After being taken to the ground and handcuffed, lying on his stomach, Tyson told officers he couldn’t breathe.
According to his family, the police body camera captured Tyson telling officers at least seven times in one minute that he couldn’t breathe. A Canton police officer had his knee on his back at the time. Tyson was taken to a local hospital, where he died still in handcuffs. The Stark County Coroner’s Office ruled Tyson’s death a homicide, with contributing causes including acute intoxication by cocaine and alcohol and cardiopulmonary arrest.
Indictment and Charges
Two Canton police officers, Beau Schoenegge and Camden Burch, both 24 years old, were indicted on the charge of reckless homicide. Stark County Prosecutor Kyle Stone stated that reckless homicide was "the most accurate" description of the crime committed. The decision was made by Stark County residents serving on a grand jury. If convicted on the felony charge, the officers could face up to 36 months in prison, a $10,000 fine, and the loss of their jobs.
Stone held a press conference to discuss the charges, emphasizing, “No one is above the law, and no one is so far below it that they don't deserve its protections."
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Legal Proceedings
The pre-trial hearing for the two Canton police officers indicted in connection with the death of Frank Tyson while in police custody was continued in Stark County Court of Common Pleas on Wednesday. A visiting judge is presiding over the court process. A trial date is set for January 2026, but this could be moved.
The Stark County Prosecutor recently filed an application for a special prosecutor, citing conflicts of interest because of “incidents of hostility by police towards prosecutors in Stark County.” The defense made significant threats in response, saying if the case is handed off to Marion County, he will ask for the case to be dismissed altogether.
Community Reaction
The indictment of the officers has elicited strong reactions from the community. Many non-media members, including family of alleged police brutality victims and community activists, chanted choruses such as "No justice, no peace," as Stone exited the press conference.
Bobby DiCello, the attorney for Tyson’s family, held a press conference immediately after Stone. "Now we know who the bad guy is," he said. "It wasn't Frank. The indictment tells you who to focus on." DiCello shared that Tyson’s family “breathe a short sigh of relief,” knowing that the officers who took part in Frank’s inhumane and brutal death will not escape prosecution for their actions.
Cassandra White, whose son Zachary Fornash was fatally shot by a Canton police officer, also spoke, emphasizing the need for training in excessive force and de-escalation.
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Stark County NAACP President Hector McDaniel stated his organization stands for transparency and accountability. Thomas West, Greater Stark County Urban League chief executive, said charges align with what many expected after viewing the video footage from April. He urged the justice system to act swiftly and hold those responsible for this tragic death fully accountable.
Statements from Organizations
- NAACP: The NAACP advocates, agitates, and litigates for the civil rights due to Black America. They seek swift justice for the abhorrent crimes committed by the Canton Police Department and call on Congress to take action on meaningful police reform legislation to save lives.
- Greater Stark County Urban League: Urges the city to implement all principles of the realignment of policing, including the establishment of a community policing advisory council board.
Court hearing for 2 Canton officers indicted in death of Frank Tyson
Comparison to Other Cases
Tyson's death has drawn comparisons to the murder of George Floyd, especially because he echoed the words "I can't breathe." This has provoked anger in the local Black community, with leaders saying that Black residents have been mistreated by police. The case also follows a recorded incident of excessive police force, leading to restricted breathing, similar to the deaths of Eric Garner and George Floyd.
Union Response
The president of the union representing Canton police supervisors, Craig M. Riley, accused politicians and community leaders of exploiting Schoenegge and Burch as "political tools." He emphasized that officers dedicate their lives to protecting the city and ensuring that every citizen feels safe. Riley said the timing of the charges was "uncoincidentally convenient" as Election Day approached and Stone was being challenged for his job as prosecutor. He urged leaders to work with the police to make real, lasting changes.
Key Figures and Their Statements
The Frank Tyson case has brought several key figures into the spotlight, each offering their perspective and contributing to the ongoing narrative. Here's a summary of some of these individuals and their statements:
| Figure | Role | Statement |
|---|---|---|
| Kyle Stone | Stark County Prosecutor | "No one is above the law, and no one is so far below it that they don't deserve its protections." |
| Bobby DiCello | Attorney for Tyson's family | "Now we know who the bad guy is, and it wasn’t Frank! The indictment tells you who to focus on." |
| Hector McDaniel | Stark County NAACP President | "We firmly believe that that's the only way that leads to truth, and without truth, there is no justice." |
| Thomas West | Greater Stark County Urban League CEO | "We are now urging the justice system to act swiftly and hold those responsible for this tragic death fully accountable." |
| Craig M. Riley | President of Fraternal Order of Police Ohio Labor Council Gold Unit | "Some politicians and 'community leaders' have sought to exploit Officers Schoenegge and Burch as political tools to boost re-election campaigns." |
Conclusion
The Frank Tyson case remains a significant point of contention in Canton, Ohio, highlighting issues of police conduct, community relations, and the pursuit of justice. The legal proceedings, community reactions, and calls for police reform underscore the complexities and sensitivities surrounding this tragic event.
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