A Colorado paramedic faces manslaughter charges after using dangerous sedation and prone restraint, allegedly causing a detained man’s death.

Arrest Leads to Medical Intervention – And Fatal Outcome

July 14, 2025: In late December 2024, 36-year-old Jesus Lopez Barcenas was detained by campus and city police at the University of Colorado Boulder after erratic behavior and attempted interference. During the arrest, Barcenas resisted and was handcuffed face down on a gurney. He was sedated with 5 mg of Droperidol by veteran paramedic Edward McClure, 54, without conducting a proper medical assessment first.(turn0search0, turn0search4)

Dangerous Restraint Commands Captured on Video

McClure instructed his team:

“Just keep him face-down, I don’t care” and “Now let’s strap the crap out of him,”
meaning Barcenas remained handcuffed face down, with tightened straps and a spit hood—even though he posed no ongoing threat. This restraint position, against employer policy, impairs breathing and can lead to fatal asphyxia.(turn0search0, turn0search1)

The Untimely Death of Barcenas

Barcenas suffered cardiac arrest shortly after transport. He was unresponsive to CPR and died in the hospital two days later. The medical examiner attributed his death to the sedative, physical restraint in the prone position, struggle during arrest, and the influence of methamphetamine.(turn0search1, turn0search6)

Manslaughter Charges Filed

On July 11, 2025, the Boulder County District Attorney charged McClure with manslaughter and forgery, accusing him of falsifying patient reports and ignoring protocol. DA Michael Dougherty emphasized:

“The reckless acts of the paramedic led to the untimely and tragic death of Mr. Barcenas.”(turn0search1, turn0search4)

McClure was terminated by his employer, American Medical Response (AMR), after violating multiple policies following the incident.(turn0search1, turn0search4)

Legal and Systemic Implications

The case follows heightened scrutiny over emergency responders’ roles in in-custody deaths, echoing past controversies like the death of Elijah McClain in Colorado and others involving prone restraint.(turn0search9, turn0news19)

Prosecutors highlight how training, standards, and independent oversight must prevent medical staff from becoming instruments of harm under the guise of sedation and restraint.

Final Take

Edward McClure’s alleged disregard for patient safety—in preferring forced restraint over assessment and care—exemplifies fatal procedural failure. As the case advances, legal observers and civil rights advocates are watching closely, emphasizing accountability for those entrusted with public health and life preservation.