Deputy Allegedly Knelt on Back of Handcuffed Inmate for 86 Seconds Prior to Asphyxiation Death: Affidavit

Deputy Faces Second-Degree Murder Charges for Kneeling on Inmate’s Back for 86 Seconds Leading to Death: Official Document

A distressing incident unfolded at the Wyandotte County Detention Center in Kansas City, leading to the death of 50-year-old Charles Adair. The tragic event occurred on July 5, when Richard Fatherly, a deputy at the facility, allegedly placed his knee on Adair’s back for 86 seconds. This action culminated in asphyxiation, labelled as the cause of Adair’s demise, as per an affidavit lodged in court proceedings.

The untimely passing of Charles Adair took place the day following his surrender to authorities on July 4, prompted by numerous minor traffic-related warrants. It was revealed that Richard Fatherly, who has since been charged with second-degree murder, applied pressure to Adair’s back leading to complications of mechanical asphyxia. Investigations conducted by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation uncovered crucial details surrounding the inmate’s tragic demise, as documented in an affidavit and statement of facts submitted at the Wyandotte District Court and accessed by PEOPLE.

Adair voluntarily turned himself in on July 4, alerting security personnel at a local casino about the outstanding warrants against him. Consequently, law enforcement officers were summoned to the scene, confirming the validity of the warrants and initiating the process of booking Adair into the Wyandotte County Sheriff’s Office. A significant discovery during Adair’s intake was a severe wound on his left leg, prompting his transfer to a nearby medical facility for assessment. Once medically cleared for detention, he was transferred back to the detention center without incident.

The account provided in the affidavit indicates no disturbances on Adair’s initial day in custody. However, on the subsequent day, he reportedly displayed agitation by refusing to exit his cell initially, subsequently vocalizing profanities upon doing so. Prompted by this behaviour, deputies issued a lockdown command for all inmates, a directive Adair resisted by descending from his wheelchair and seating himself on the floor. Following attempts to restore order, Adair purportedly engaged in disruptive behaviour, necessitating his restraint in handcuffs and escort to his cell.

Within the confines of his cell, Adair’s conduct allegedly escalated as he made threatening gestures towards a deputy, prompting the use of physical restraints. It was during this interaction that Deputy Richard Fatherly entered the scene, asserting control by placing a knee on Adair’s back while instructing him to desist and comply. Subsequent footage from the detention center portrays Fatherly maintaining pressure on Adair’s back, with fellow deputies securing his limbs. Adair’s distress is evident as he calls for help, ultimately succumbing under the weight of pressure exerted.

The report confirms that Adair remained restrained in handcuffs for approximately 78 seconds of the 86-second ordeal, with Fatherly persisting in kneeling on him even as the restraints were removed. Despite subsequent medical intervention in response to Adair’s distress calls, he was pronounced deceased at 9:19 p.m. Efforts to resuscitate him proved futile, marking a tragic end to the sequence of events captured on surveillance.

The Wyandotte County Sheriff’s Office has refrained from disclosing the footage depicting Adair’s final moments publicly. Details concerning Adair’s medical history, including underlying conditions such as the presence of a pacemaker, blood clot history, and various health issues, were highlighted during the intake process. Fatherly, yet to undergo arraignment or formal booking, was issued a court summons slated for the upcoming month, with his attorney attributing Adair’s demise to a “tragic accident.”

Legal representation for Adair’s family, led by Benjamin Crump, has underscored the pursuit of transparency and accountability in seeking justice for Charles Adair. Upholding this commitment, the family advocates for accountability and the implication of appropriate measures against those responsible. The ramifications of this incident spotlight the importance of ensuring the welfare and safety of individuals in custody, prompting scrutiny of protocols aimed at preventing similar tragedies in correctional facilities.

The circumstances surrounding Charles Adair’s demise underscore the obligation to uphold stringent standards within correctional facilities, ensuring the preservation of human rights and dignity irrespective of an individual’s legal status. The pursuit of justice for Adair serves as a rallying cry for reform and accountability within law enforcement agencies, underscoring the necessity of robust oversight mechanisms to avert instances of misconduct or abuse of power.