Kansas Deputy Charged After Black Man Died When Knee Was Pressed On His Back For 86 Seconds
KANSAS CITY, KS — Newly revealed records detail how a Wyandotte County sheriff’s deputy allegedly knelt on the back of a Black man for 86 seconds, leading to his death in July. The incident has drawn comparisons to the 2020 killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis and sparked renewed calls for police accountability.
Deputy Charged With Second-Degree Murder
Deputy Richard Fatherly was charged in September with second-degree murder and an alternative count of involuntary manslaughter for the death of Charles Adair, 39, inside the Wyandotte County Detention Center on July 5, 2025.
Adair had been arrested the previous day on misdemeanor warrants for failing to appear in court on multiple traffic violations. According to an affidavit cited by The Guardian, he was handcuffed and already suffering from a severely infected leg that doctors had warned might require amputation.
‘He Was No Threat,’ Family Attorney Says
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, representing Adair’s family, said that newly released evidence confirms Adair posed no danger when the deputy used force. “Charles Adair was handcuffed, lying on his stomach with a severely injured leg, and posed no threat when a deputy pressed a knee into his back, resulting in his death,” Crump said.
Witness reports and security footage show that Adair was pinned down for one minute and 26 seconds after being wheeled from the infirmary back to his cell. During the restraint, Adair reportedly screamed for help. The affidavit states that Fatherly told him, “You’re done,” as Adair stopped moving and replied, “Ok.”
A medical examiner ruled the death a homicide caused by mechanical asphyxia.
Medical History And Circumstances
Before returning to custody, hospital staff diagnosed Adair with osteomyelitis, a bone infection often linked to diabetes. The affidavit also noted that Adair was schizophrenic, adding to his medical vulnerabilities.
Despite these conditions, investigators allege that the deputy used excessive force instead of summoning medical assistance after Adair fell from his wheelchair.
Defense Calls Death An Accident
Fatherly’s attorney has maintained that the death was accidental and that the deputy did not intend to harm Adair. The case remains under review by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Wyandotte County District Attorney’s Office.
Broader Context Of Policing Reform
The case echoes the murder of George Floyd, whose death under similar circumstances in 2020 led to nationwide protests and policing reform measures in at least 30 states and Washington, D.C. Advocates say the Adair case shows how systemic issues of restraint tactics and accountability continue to persist five years later.
As Fatherly awaits trial, Adair’s family has called for transparency, the release of jail video footage, and reforms to how law enforcement handles detainees with medical and mental health challenges.
Do you believe restraint policies in Kansas jails should be reformed to prevent similar deaths? Share your perspective at NapervilleLocal.com, where we cover major justice, safety, and civil rights stories across the Midwest.
Naperville is a community with stories that deserve to be told — both the serious ones about safety and justice, and the lighter ones that capture our culture and daily life. I focus on covering crime reports and court updates while also highlighting the traditions, events, and social trends that shape who we are. Through my reporting, I want to give readers a fuller picture of Naperville — the challenges we face and the character that keeps our city strong.