Witness video serves as important evidence in trial against three Northland Mall security guards

SOUTHFIELD, Michigan. – A witness who testified in the trial of Northland Mall security guards said he was glad he caught the incident on video.

Neihmiah Nelson was at the mall in January 2014 when he saw McKenzie Cochran and five security guards arguing.

“Some of these things are traumatic to see because you have to live with them,” Nelson said.

Cochran died and the security guards were charged with manslaughter in 2021.

On Friday (23 August) a jury found the security guards not guilty.

The jury considered Nelson's cell phone video of the incident as evidence.

“I’m really glad I made this video,” Nelson said.

Nelson said the video helps tell the story of what happened that day.

Nelson is disappointed by the acquittal.

“It's heartbreaking to lose a family member and get nothing,” Nelson said. “Even if he committed a crime and said he couldn't breathe, at least the sentence should be shortened.”

Three of the five security guards have been on trial. Another security guard pleaded guilty last week. The fifth security guard died in 2017.