Kansas Deputy Charged with Murder After Inmate Death

UPDATE: A Kansas sheriff’s deputy has been charged with murder following the shocking death of a Black jail inmate, Charles Adair, who died on July 5, 2023. Newly released court documents confirm that Deputy Richard Fatherly pressed his knee into Adair’s back for a staggering 1 minute and 26 seconds while the inmate was restrained.

The incident occurred at the Wyandotte County Detention Center in Kansas City, Kansas, where Adair had been held after being arrested on misdemeanor warrants for failing to appear in court on minor traffic violations. At the time of his arrest, Adair was in critical health, requiring an amputation due to severe leg infection, which had escalated to a type of bone infection diagnosed just before his return to the jail.

According to an affidavit from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, Adair’s mental state was compromised due to his medical condition and a diagnosis of schizophrenia. Witness accounts indicated that he was incoherent and struggled to communicate effectively, raising serious questions about his treatment by law enforcement.

Once back at the jail, Adair reportedly became agitated and attempted to exit his wheelchair during a confrontation with Fatherly. Video footage shows Adair calling for help while being restrained in a prone position on his bunk. Fatherly responded with the chilling remark, “You’re done,” before applying pressure to Adair’s back.

The autopsy later confirmed that Adair’s death was ruled a homicide, with complications arising from mechanical asphyxia cited as the cause. This tragic incident has drawn comparisons to high-profile cases of police brutality, igniting public outrage and calls for accountability.

Currently, Deputy Fatherly is on paid administrative leave and has received a summons to appear in court next month. His attorney, James Spies, has publicly stated that he intends to seek an acquittal, claiming Fatherly acted within his lawful duties.

Civil rights attorneys Ben Crump and Harry Daniels, representing Adair’s family, have demanded the release of body camera footage, asserting it will reveal the shocking reality of the situation. “When you all get to see that video, you’re gonna be as shocked as anybody who saw the George Floyd video,” Crump said at a recent press conference.

This developing story raises critical discussions about police conduct and the treatment of vulnerable individuals in custody. As the case unfolds, the community watches closely, awaiting justice for Charles Adair.

Stay tuned for more updates as this urgent situation continues to develop.