MISSION, Kan. — A Kansas deputy has been charged with murder in connection with the death of an inmate at the Wyandotte County detention center, prosecutors announced Thursday.
Deputy Richard Fatherley faces one count of second-degree murder and an alternative charge of involuntary manslaughter in the death of 50-year-old Charles Adair, who was arrested July 4 on misdemeanor warrants for traffic violations. Adair died the following day after an altercation with jail staff.
An autopsy report determined Adair suffered broken ribs, a sternal fracture, and complications from mechanical asphyxia—a condition in which breathing is obstructed. His death was classified as a homicide. Cardiovascular disease and cirrhosis were listed as contributing factors.
Altercation in Jail Led to Fatal Injuries
According to the autopsy, Adair was being moved in a wheelchair from the infirmary to his cell when he became involved in an altercation with detention staff. The report stated that one officer knelt on his back, leading to the fatal injuries.
Wyandotte County District Attorney Mark Dupree did not confirm whether Fatherley was the officer who applied pressure but emphasized that no additional staff would face charges in the case.
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Calls for Transparency
Adair’s brother, Anthony Adair, stated the advocacy group Justice for Wyandotte, saying the family remains heartbroken and is seeking the release of camera footage showing Charles’ final moments.
The sheriff’s office declined media requests for the video. Dupree said the footage and other evidence will be presented at the preliminary hearing.
Deputy on Administrative Leave
Fatherley, who was assigned to the detention center but not certified as a law enforcement officer, remains on paid administrative leave. He has been issued a summons but was not booked into jail, which Dupree said is standard procedure for officers in the county.
Fatherley’s attorney, James Spies, argued the charges are excessive, saying the case does not meet the legal standard for second-degree murder. He described Adair’s death as a “tragic accident” and stated his client acted within the scope of his employment.
Broader Context of Inmate Deaths
The case has drawn comparisons to the 2021 death of Cedric Lofton, a 17-year-old who died while restrained at a juvenile intake center in Wichita. In that case, prosecutors declined to file charges, citing Kansas’ “stand-your-ground” law.
Nikki Richardson, executive director of Justice for Wyandotte, said the autopsy findings suggest the shoulder pin maneuver was used on Adair—a tactic typically reserved for life-threatening situations.
“It is hard at this point with the facts to see where a jail staff or officer would feel endangered when a person is leaving the infirmary and they’re in a wheelchair,” Richardson said.
Possible Sentences
If convicted, Fatherley faces up to 41 years in prison for second-degree murder. A conviction on involuntary manslaughter would carry a maximum penalty of 11 years.
