INTHISNEWSLETTER...
In this issue, we’re sharing important updates and insights about the state of public health and safety in our community We begin with a look at the successful kickoff of the Healthy 33% initiative, a key step toward improving wellness and resilience within Wyandotte County Then, we take a deep dive into the s the anticipated trial in the case of Charles Adair, who tragically died while in custody at the Wyandotte County Jail.
Next month, we will be featured in an IHeart Radio Podcast series, called The Girlfriends: Untouchable Please follow us on social media for updates on that journey
Justice for Wyandotte is proud to celebrate the successful kickoff of our Healthy 33% Initiative a bold effort to reimagine Wyandotte County’s community services budget as the people’s budget, with 33% designated for community services that directly improve residents’ health and wellbeing
BEN CRUMP’S LEGAL TEAM FOR THE FAMILY OF CHARLES ADAIR
Justice for Wyandotte
Throughout the launch of this initiative, we engaged with community members, civic groups, and local leaders to build understanding around how important health equity services are funded and what happens when they’re not. Many residents experienced lightbulb moments as we connected the dots between local budget decisions and the services that shape their everyday lives, from public health and aging programs to housing and behavioral health support
We also held private and open meetings with elected officials to discuss the fiscal, ethical, and logistical benefits of Healthy 33% Our conversations shed light on a critical reality: the majority of police and fire calls are connected to health, mental health, or substance abuse crises
Phase one of this Healthy 33% initiative called residents to action to protect our Public Health, Transportation, and Area Agency on Aging departments from further cuts and to restore key positions lost last year due to local budget reductions In light of national threats to healthcare funding, we knew this conversation couldn’t wait
As a result, our jail has become an expensive, ineffective safety net for social problems that should be addressed through prevention and care. By investing in public health, aging, and other departments that advance health equity, Wyandotte County can save money, prevent crises, and build a healthier, safer community for all
Thanks to strong advocacy and community support, we successfully restored two critical public health positions an epidemiologist and a death investigator. When we asked Terrie Garrison, Director of UG Wyandotte County Public Health, how her department felt during this year’s budget process, she shared, “It was like night and day from last year We felt so supported, and I attribute that directly to Justice for Wyandotte’s advocacy”
We are honored to have supported our health agencies during this pivotal moment and are committed to continuing the work In the year ahead, we will collaborate with elected officials to develop a sustainable funding plan that will move Wyandotte County closer to achieving a Healthy 33% Together, we’re building sustainable communities of empowered people because a healthy budget means a healthy Wyandotte.
POLICE STANDOFF ATTRIBUTED TO MENTAL HEALTH, PHOTO BY KCTV5
Justice for Wyandotte ANOTHERDEATHINOUR WYANDOTTECOUNTYJAIL
UNDERSTANDINGTHE CHARLESADAIRCASE
The tragic death of Charles Adair in the Wyandotte County Jail on July 5 has shaken our community and prompted deep questions about justice, accountability, and the lack of protections in our local systems
As the legal process unfolds, Justice for Wyandotte is committed to helping residents understand the case in clear terms what’s at stake legally, constitutionally, and for the future of our county.
A hearing regarding the summons issued in this case is scheduled for November 18,
marking the next key step toward accountability and transparency in the judicial process
What Happened
Charles Adair, 50, was booked into the Wyandotte County Jail on the July 4. The following day he went to the infirmary When he was returned to his cell he was handcuffed, face-down, and restrained At this time a sheriff’s deputy placed a knee on his lower back for more than a minute Moments later, Adair became unresponsive and was pronounced dead. The medical examiner ruled his death a homicide, citing complications of mechanical asphyxia. He was pronounced dead on July 5th
LIVE PRESS CONFERENCE AFTER VIEWING BODY CAM, PHOTO BY ASSOCIATED PRESS
Justice for Wyandotte
The Legal Stakes
Deputy Richard Fatherley now faces charges of second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter in connection with the death of Charles Adair In an unprecedented move, he was not taken into custody but instead issued a summons to appear in court. While this legal maneuver by the county’s District Attorney guarantees that a hearing will take place following findings of a serious crime, it also raises concerns about fair and equal justice, highlighting the perception that law enforcement officers are sometimes held to different standards
Beyond criminal accountability, the case raises significant civil rights concerns. Once an individual is in state custody, the government assumes a legal responsibility for their safety The 14th Amendment protects people from being deprived of life or liberty without due process, and courts have consistently held that deliberate indifference to a detainee’s medical or safety needs can constitute a violation of this constitutional right
Deaths in Wyandotte Coutny Jail
The Sheriff’s Department’s own use-of-force policy prohibits keeping a restrained person in a face-down position for an extended time precisely because it can cut off airflow Violating this policy doesn’t just expose the county to civil liability; it also challenges the constitutional promise of humane treatment . The Adair case highlights a troubling pattern: deaths in our jails are happening far too often, with a recent uptick that cannot be ignored
While many of these deaths are linked to suicide, they raise critical questions about the level of care provided within our detention facilities.
Why This Matters for Wyandotte County
The fact that Deputy Richard Fatherley was issued a summons rather than being taken into custody for second-degree murder underscores longstanding concerns about distrust and unequal treatment within the justice system For many community members, it raises serious questions about whether the system truly applies justice equally.
Looking Ahead
With the November 18 hearing approaching, the community has another opportunity to stand for transparency and justice. This moment is not only about what happened to Charles Adair but about what must change to prevent future harm
The trial will test not only the facts of what happened that night but also our collective will to demand reform We urge residents to stay informed, follow the proceedings, and continue advocating for policies that prioritize life and dignity over punishment and neglect.
Charles Adair’s death is another reminder for Wyandotte County that the rule of law must apply equally to all, and that accountability for custodial deaths is essential to public trust in our justice system
Learn more
Visit justiceforwyandotteorg/charlesadair to learn more and find out how you can help