A Tragic Case Sparks Federal Lawsuit: The Death of Charles Adair
The death of Charles Adair has prompted a significant legal battle involving civil rights attorney Ben Crump and the family of the deceased. They are pursuing a federal civil rights lawsuit against Wyandotte County, Deputy Richard Fatherley, and Sheriff Daniel Soptic, as the controversy surrounding Adair’s death in custody continues to unfold.
Ben Crump is joined by attorneys Harry Daniels, Gabrielle Higgins, and Sue-Ann Robinson, who are advocating for the release of a critical video recording, as stated in a press release. Crump emphasized, “This lawsuit was filed because even after criminal charges were brought, the public still has not been allowed to see the video of what happened to Charles Adair.”
In July of the previous year, Charles Adair was detained in the Wyandotte County detention center in Kansas City, Kansas, on misdemeanor traffic charges. Adair, who had a severe leg infection requiring eventual amputation and was diagnosed with schizophrenia, was taken to a hospital for treatment before returning to the detention center.
Upon his return, Adair was placed in a wheelchair with handcuffs, and deputies described him as incoherent. Despite his lack of mobility, Deputy Richard Fatherley knelt on Adair’s back for 1 minute and 36 seconds while he was on his stomach, resulting in Adair becoming unresponsive. The security footage capturing the event remains unreleased by the Wyandotte Sheriff’s office.
Crump further explained, “Our team has seen that video on camera at the Wyandotte County Attorney’s Office. What it shows, according to our complaint, is a man with a visibly serious leg injury, who posed no threat, being suffocated facedown on a bed while officers pressed their weight onto him.” He advocates for the video’s release, asserting that “the public has a right to transparency when someone dies in custody in this manner.”
Harry Daniels stated, “This case is about accountability at every level,” highlighting failures in intervention, recognizing medical distress, and adhering to care standards for vulnerable individuals.
The medical examiner’s report identified Adair’s death as a homicide due to “mechanical asphyxia.” Charges of second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter have been brought against Fatherley by Wyandotte County District Attorney Mark Dupree. Fatherley’s defense, led by attorney James Spies, attributes Adair’s death to his leg infection rather than the force used.
SEE ALSO:
Kansas Deputy Charged With Charles Adair’s Murder Knelt On Him For 90 Seconds
Civil Rights Attorney Ben Crump Representing Saniyah Cheatham’s Family
