A Stark County judge set bond at $25,000 each Monday for two Canton police officers facing charges of reckless homicide in connection with the April death of Frank Tyson, who died in police custody after repeatedly stating, “I can’t breathe.”
Officers Beau Schoenegge and Camden Burch, members of the Canton Police Department’s traffic bureau, were released shortly after the bond hearing. Their indictments, handed down by a grand jury on Friday, follow an Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation probe into Tyson’s death, which occurred after he fled the scene of a car crash and sought refuge at an AMVETS post.
Canton police officers enter the courtroom to show support for their two recently charged colleagues, who are facing reckless homicide charges.
During Monday’s court proceedings, attorney Bobby DiCello, representing Tyson’s family, expressed dismay at the large number of police officers present, calling it “shocking and intimidating.”
“It felt like an attempt to sway the judge,” DiCello said. “There were over 40 officers in attendance, with an overflow room as well. The family felt as if they were viewed as adversaries rather than being supported in this search for justice.”
Tyson’s family has emphasized a shift in the narrative surrounding the case, according to DiCello, moving from a focus on Tyson’s actions to an emphasis on accountability and the justice they believe he deserves.
“This is about more than what Frank may have done; it’s about what the justice system can do for his family,” DiCello said. “For two officers to be indicted in Canton is historically significant and underscores the need for dialogue with the city to address critical issues in policing.”
Stark County Prosecutor Kyle Stone underscored the presumption of innocence and reassured the community that the proceedings would be impartial, addressing concerns about the officers’ presence in the courtroom.
“The defendants are to be considered innocent until proven guilty,” Stone stated. “This courtroom is fair, and the judge is fully capable of ensuring an unbiased process.”
The charges stem from the April 18 incident, where body camera footage captured Schoenegge and Burch attempting to restrain Tyson, who repeatedly stated he could not breathe. The footage shows that Tyson lay motionless for over five minutes without medical attention. Tyson’s death has since prompted calls for changes in the Canton Police Department’s policies on restraint.
Tyson’s family, through their attorney, has requested a dialogue with city officials to discuss reforms, hoping that such changes will prevent similar tragedies in the future. DiCello added that the family is open to working collaboratively with the city, but warned that they would seek legal relief if no steps are taken.
“They’re calling for the city to recognize the suffering of everyday people like Frank and to consider policy improvements over continued legal battles,” DiCello said.
The attorneys representing Burch and Schoenegge, Eugene O’Byrne for Burch and Ty Graham for Schoenegge, declined to comment after the hearing.
