Northland Mall security guards charged in 2014 death of McKenzie Cochran head to trial

Nour Rahal, Detroit Free Press
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Four former mall security guards charged in the death of McKenzie Cochran are headed to trial nearly 10 years later, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel's Office announced on Wednesday.

Cochran, of Ferndale, was 25 at the time of his death in January 2014. He was pinned to the floor and pepper-sprayed by Lucius Hamilton, John Seiberling, Gaven King, Aaron Maree and a fifth security guard, who passed away in 2017. Once handcuffed, Cochran was unresponsive; an autopsy showed the cause of death was compression asphyxiation that prevented him from breathing.

McKenzie Cochran, 25, of Ferndale, died in 2014 after three security officers held him to the ground at Northland Mall. No charges were filed. HIs family hopes the George Floyd protests help reopen his case.
McKenzie Cochran, 25, of Ferndale, died in 2014 after three security officers held him to the ground at Northland Mall. No charges were filed. HIs family hopes the George Floyd protests help reopen his case.

The incident took place at the now-closed Northland Center mall in Southfield after a jewelry store owner reported that Cochran made threats.

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The former security guards were each charged with one count of involuntary manslaughter in 2021. But after further reviewing the case, Nessel said that justice would require criminal charges and a trial.

"Video evidence shows Cochran remained face down with his arms under his body while the five security guards restrained him," according to the news release. "Witnesses at the mall, and subsequent interviews with the guards involved, reported hearing Cochran say he couldn’t breathe during the restraint."

On Wednesday, Hamilton, Seiberling, King, and Maree were bound over and appeared before Judge Shelia Johnson in the 46th District Court in Southfield.

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“I am grateful for the efforts of the family of McKenzie Cochran, and the diligent work of the prosecutors in my department, to bring this case to trial despite the intervening years,” Nessel said.

Charges were not initially pursued in 2014 because former Oakland County Prosecutor Jessica Cooper declined to bring criminal charges against any of the involved guards, and said there was no intention to kill.

"In early 2020, Cochran’s family requested the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office take a second look at the case who then referred it to the Department of Attorney General," stated the release. "Hamilton, Seiberling, King, and Maree will appear next before the Oakland County Circuit Court for a pre-trial conference at a date not yet determined.

Contact Nour Rahal: nrahal@freepress.com

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Security guards charged in 2014 death of McKenzie Cochran bound over