Deputy’s Kneel Sparks Jail Death Trial | Kansas City News

A sheriff’s deputy in Wyandotte County faces second-degree murder charges after a deadly jail altercation with Charles Adair, despite multiple officers involved. Testimony reveals Adair became aggressive during a cell transfer, but prosecutors zero in on Deputy Richard Fatherley’s prolonged kneeling on his back — over a minute — despite Adair’s health issues and lack of resistance. Though the Kansas Bureau of Investigation initially cleared Fatherley, the DA pressed charges, and Adair’s family pursued a wrongful death suit. An expert witness testified that while initial restraint may have been justified, Fatherley’s continued pressure was a “departure from acceptable practices,” violating standard reassessment protocols. The county’s use-of-force policy, emphasizing proportionality and suspect condition, was also cited. The case hinges on whether Fatherley’s actions crossed the line from necessary restraint to excessive force. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/5061baf7e4ea7c42