Tyson’s family members and other Canton police officers were in the courtroom for Monday’s hearing.

Schoenegge and Burch were charged with reckless homicide and have been held in the Stark County Jail since Nov. 1.

Bobby DiCello, the Tyson family’s attorney, said at Monday’s hearing that he left it up to the court to decide bail, but that he did not want the presence of more than 50 officers in court to influence his decision.

If convicted of the felony, officers could face up to 36 months in prison and a $10,000 fine, as well as losing their jobs.

Tyson, 53, died in police custody on April 18 after fleeing a traffic accident in Canton.

According to the Stark County prosecutor, Tyson came across 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 when police arrived, a scuffle broke out inside the club.

After being pinned to the ground and handcuffed, Tyson lay face down and told police he couldn’t breathe.

According to his family, on police body camera you can hear Tyson telling officers he couldn’t breathe at least seven times in one minute.

A Canton police officer had his knee on his back at the time.

Tyson was taken to a local hospital and died there, still handcuffed.

The Stark County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled Tyson’s death a homicide, with contributing causes including acute intoxication from cocaine and alcohol and cardiopulmonary arrest.

In a press release, an attorney for Tyson’s family shared their reaction to the decision to charge Schoenegge and Burch, stating that they “breathed a sigh of relief.”

Copyright 2024 WOIO. All rights reserved.