Two paramedics on trial over the 2019 death of Elijah McClain told investigators in videotaped interviews previously unseen in public that the 23-year-old Black man had “excited delirium,” a disputed condition critics say is unscientific and rooted in racism.

Aurora Fire Rescue Paramedic Jeremy Cooper and Lt. Peter Cichuniec are charged with manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide and several counts of assault.

The third and final trial over Mr. McClain’s 2019 death will examine the role of the medics who responded while the young Black man was in police custody.

The forensic pathologist at the heart of the Elijah McClain autopsies took the witness stand in the trial of two paramedics charged in McClain's 2019 death. Several other witnesses involved in the case also testified Tuesday.

Jeremy Cooper and Peter Cichuniec were the Aurora Fire and Rescue paramedics who injected McClain with 500 milligrams (mg) of ketamine on Aug. 24, 2019.

Two Colorado paramedics went on trial on Wednesday for their alleged role in the 2019 death of Elijah McClain, a young Black man who died after police roughly detained him and medics injected him with a powerful sedative.

Opening statements are scheduled to begin in the third and final trial over the 2019 death of Elijah McClain, who died after he was stopped by police in suburban Denver