THURSTON COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A former Tacoma police officer who was acquitted in the death of Manuel Ellis has resigned from his new position just days after being hired.

The Thurston County Sheriff’s Office announced on Monday it was hiring Christopher Burbank as its new lateral patrol deputy. On Wednesday, Thurston County Sheriff Derek Sanders said in a news release that Burbank has resigned.

Sheriff Sanders said the decision to resign was based on community response and death threats made to Burbank’s family. He added that the initial hiring was made to alleviate the ongoing staffing crisis at the Sheriff’s Office.

Burbank was one of three Tacoma police officers who were found not guilty of manslaughter charges after Ellis died in police custody in March 2020.

Sheriff Sanders said he plans to schedule a public forum for community members to give their input on the hiring saga.