Warning: this video contains images that some viewers may find disturbing.
Graphic new video has emerged in a case against two Georgia sheriff’s deputies and a health care worker accused in connection with the death of a mentally ill man. 22-year-old Matthew Ajibade was arrested after he suffered what his family called a bipolar episode.
Ajibade allegedly hit his girlfriend and broke a deputy’s nose during the incident on New Year’s Day. While at the Chatham County jail, Ajibade was restrained and a spit mask was placed over his mouth.
New video obtained by NBC News shows deputies tasing the man in the groin, even while he was restrained. The video came from a camera attached to the taser. Prosecutors say the video proves Ajibade was not resisting. Jason Kenny, the deputy who used the taser, claims Ajibade was fighting back. Ajibade’s body was found January 2, still in the chair, wearing the spit mask. Nine deputies were fired following Ajibade’s arrest. His death was ruled a homicide in June.
Mark O’Mara, the lawyer perhaps best known for defending Trayvon Martin’s killer – George Zimmerman — is representing Ajibade’s family. He told NBC the video is “nothing less than torture.”