Kansas City, Kansas — The family of Charles Adair, a 50-year-old man who died in a Wyandotte County jail, is demanding the immediate release of body camera footage that they believe could shed light on the circumstances of his death. At a press event Tuesday night, family members and activists called for an impartial investigation overseen by a judge from outside the county.
National civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who represented families in previous high-profile cases, drew parallels between Adair’s death and the notorious killing of George Floyd. Crump revealed that he had seen body camera footage showing Jefferson County Deputy Richard Fatherley kneeling on Adair’s back for an extended period after forcibly removing him from a wheelchair. The footage reportedly shows that Fatherley removed Adair’s handcuffs and left him prone on a bed in his jail cell. Adair died on July 5, with local authorities ruling his death a homicide.
Crump stated, “A traffic violation should not equal a death sentence. When you see that video, you’re going to be as shocked as anyone who witnessed George Floyd’s video.” His comments emphasized the urgent need for transparency and accountability in cases of alleged police misconduct.
During a prayer service held at Friendship Baptist Church in Kansas City, Missouri, relatives and community leaders joined forces to press for the disclosure of the video footage. Activist Nikki Richardson argued that the local judicial system lacks impartiality toward the Black community, advocating for an external judge to take over the case.
“The problem is in the house,” she said. “We need someone from outside the county.”
The autopsy revealed that Adair died from mechanical asphyxiation, a result of a controversial police technique known as “prone restraint.” This method has come under scrutiny since its use contributed to Floyd’s death in Minneapolis. The coroner’s report noted that Adair’s medical history, including hypertensive cardiovascular disease and significant liver damage from chronic alcoholism, also played a role.
On Thursday, District Attorney Mark Dupree announced second-degree murder charges against Fatherley, who was not arrested ahead of his court date because he cooperated with authorities. His release has raised concerns among Adair’s family, who believe he is receiving special treatment due to his status as a law enforcement officer.
Adair, who suffered from diabetes and was in jail for misdemeanor traffic offenses, was undergoing treatment for a leg wound that required amputation. Family attorney Harry Daniels noted that Adair, a slight man, was outmatched by the deputy’s larger size, with ten officers present at the time.
“You’ve got a man in a wheelchair with one leg who ends up dead from asphyxiation,” Daniels lamented.
Further details from the coroner’s report indicate that Adair also had multiple rib fractures and bruising across his back and shoulders. Family members described him as a gentle spirit, often hosting gatherings to watch Kansas City Chiefs games.
“Charles was not a troublemaker,” his brother Anthony said. “He was a good person, just like you and me, not involved in anything criminal.”
With ongoing calls for justice and accountability, the Adair family continues to seek clarity regarding the events that led to their loved one’s tragic death, looking for answers and a commitment to reform.