DEMOTTE, Indiana – Police in Indiana are facing mounting pressure to release body camera evidence related to the death of a northwest Indiana man.
The family of 26-year-old Rhyker Earl, backed by human rights attorney Ben Crump, claims Earl’s tragic confrontation with officers occurred amid a medical emergency.
On September 8, Earl’s grandma contacted 911 after he had his second seizure of the day. Earl, who has epilepsy, became disoriented and agitated when Jasper County deputies and paramedics arrived at his home in DeMotte.
According to the family’s lawyers, Earl lost his balance while attempting to put on shorts for a trip to the hospital and collided with an officer.
The family claims that the officer responded aggressively, handcuffing Earl and placing him face down while three officers restrained him. Earl was put on life support and died two days later.
Last Monday, the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office published a statement contradicting charges made by the family’s attorney.
The sheriff’s office stated that it studied body-worn camera footage from various deputies on the incident, which purportedly showed Earl repeatedly pounding his head on the floor. Deputies allegedly asked the family for a pillow and placed it under Earl’s head to keep him from harming himself.
According to the sheriff’s office, Earl’s head was reclining on the pillow and his respiration was not obstructed.
The body-worn video also purportedly showed deputies detaining Earl by his legs, arms, and shoulders while holding him in a position that did not restrict his respiration.
According to the sheriff’s office, Earl was vocal during the event and was laid on his side in the “recovery position.”
Furthermore, the sheriff’s office stated that footage shows many family members pleading with Earl to remain calm and informing him that medical staff and deputies were present to assist him.
Police have yet to release the body camera footage, but have claimed they intend to do so.
Earl leaves behind two small children.