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Man Beaten at Jail Struggles to Live Save Email Print
Posted: 9:30 PM Feb 22, 2008
 Last Updated: 5:42 PM Feb 25, 2008
 Email Address: jared.cerullo@kake.com
115 comments

A | A | A

To read Jared Cerullo's blog on this story, click here.

The family of a man who was severely beaten last week at the Sedgwick County Jail is now speaking out in an effort to save someone else's loved one from being injured.

Edger Richard had been at the jail for about three months. He was serving time for a parole violation on an old case in which he was charged with aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer. Richard's family doesn't deny that their loved one has some mental difficulties, but they say he didn't have to be beaten to the brink of death.

"We just want to be able to see him." says Joseph Richard, Edger's brother. "They won't allow us to see him. All we know is that he's in a coma, has five skull fractures, broken teeth, and a tracheotomy in his neck."

Meanwhile, Undersheriff Bob Hinshaw says Richard is being treated no differently than any other inmate.

"Just because he's in the hospital doesn't mean his privileges are any different than anybody else's," explains Hinshaw. "We have to maintain a controlled environment."

Hinshaw tells KAKE News that Richard was offered his daily medication last Friday night, but apparently claimed that he wasn't being given the right meds. He then attempted to leave his cell and then Hinshaw says the deputy began to subdue him.

"I can understand that the family is upset," says Hinshaw. "I'd be upset, too. But I can't speculate on what I don't know yet."

The sheriff's department is reviewing the incident and has placed the deputy involved on administrative leave with pay. The case has also been forwarded to the district attorney, who will decide if charges against either man will be filed.

Richard is currently listed in critical condition at a Wichita hospital.
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Posted by: Anonymous on Mar 29, 2008 at 11:59 PM
edger richard is a friend of mine did not need to be beaten he did not need to be hurt,staff in charge should be fired.
Posted by: Anonymous on Mar 3, 2008 at 01:57 PM
Well everyone seems to have an opinion on this matter, it doesn't seem to me that many people have a QUALIFIED opinion though. Unless you have worked in the jail or as a police officer then you really don't see people that will hurt you so readily, and therefore do not understand it. You live in a world where most people are good and trustworthy, that is not the case here. What the media doesn't tell you is that the inmate attacked the deputy, all they say is that he tried to walk out of his cell. The deputy was defending himself and in many cases mentally ill people do not register pain like most people and therefore is harder to take control of. So before you are so ready to throw the deputy to the wolves, try and remember that you are only getting parts of the story. Like the inmates family rarely came to visit him in jail but now that they smell money they are very worried about him, these are the things that the media doesn't tell you.
Posted by: Jay Jones Location: Wichita on Feb 28, 2008 at 10:35 PM
A through, impartial investagation by an outside agency is called for here. Steps to insure that both Mr Richard's AND the deputy's rights are not ignored. We need to be vocal without being demanding. Anyone can be placed in this position much more easily than we can imagine. You want to know that if this were your family member, there were many, many people interested in the truth.
Posted by: C Location: Wichita on Feb 28, 2008 at 08:24 AM
Well S, Apparently you are the new expert on mental illness. Please enlighten all of us as to EXACTLY how these people respond when they don't want to take there meds. People with mental illness will use any excuse not to take meds. One reason being is that they say it makes them feel different. Nobody takes in the fact that this individual had a history of violence. SO I am sure it should have been easy to ask an agitated mentally ill individual with a history of violence to kindly step back in his cell. None of us have any hard facts on this case, just speculation, so stop assuming they were not his meds, U don't know that, I don't know that. And have you worked with individuals with mental illness or do you just see them on the street and avoid them like everybody else?
Posted by: s on Feb 27, 2008 at 08:37 PM
"More aggressive and out of control" than who, C? That is not a statement from a social worker. If I believed that someone was giving me medications that were not my own, and I already had increased anxiety from being in a enclosed area, I would try to get away, too. The deputy could easily have pushed Ed back in his cell, or used some other quick manner of restraint and he wouldn't have ended up in his current condition. Maybe he deserved a couple of bruises for getting lippy, but the inability to breath on his own? Definitely not.
Posted by: C Location: Wichita on Feb 27, 2008 at 03:07 PM
I have worked in the social work field for the past several years. Including the last three with adults with mental illness. I can't say that I have had an experience that rivals this one. However, I do know that when a person with mental illness becomes agitated they can react more aggressive and out of control. I am not saying that all people with mental illness are dangerous, just that with his PREVIOUS HISTORY of assulting police officers and being violent the deputy probably was already on edge dealing with this individual. I am no way excusing excessive force (which this appears to be), let the FBI handle it, if something was done worng then the deputy should get punished. NO ONE knows what happened in that jail except for a few people. So stop assuming and see what happens. If only the guards inside the jail were allowed tasers this whole situation could have been avoided.
Posted by: Pam Location: Wichita on Feb 26, 2008 at 05:18 PM
As a person who has a mental illness I feel that people should be listened to. There are reasons why people stop taking their medication (Some forget, some of the medicine makes you sick, and sometimes you can’t afford it). What ever the reason I feel that what happened to my friend Ed should not have happened. He was beaten up so bad and I pray that he will not lose his life over this. People need to understand how mental illness clouds your thinking and judgment; people should not be beat-up because of this. I do not understand how the guard can be suspended with pay when he has abused someone so badly. I want a detailed investigation because this situation is so bad. We need more education and understanding on mental illnesses. We do not need to put people into jail when we get sick. People who have mental illnesses are not bad people but we are misunderstood.
Posted by: sauer Location: Thornton on Feb 26, 2008 at 04:47 PM
inmates attack deputies and nothing is ever said about this. I worked for Sedgwick county for nearly six year and I have seen this first haand
Posted by: B Location: Widhita on Feb 26, 2008 at 04:27 PM
The mentally ill should not be subjected to inexperienced understaffed jailers. According to some of the comments made, the officers were familiar with Ed and knew about his mental illness. I know Ed, and he is not a large man. There can be no excuses for beating a man senseless and causing that much physical damage. Our mentally ill should not be in jails without some sort of procedure for them to have their medications quickly, and to be evaluated by a mental health professional. There are many mentally ill people in correctional facilities, and yes, they do commit crimes. Regardless, no one should be subjected to this sort of violence from the very people who are supposed to protect society. Because like it or not, the mentally ill are still part of society.
Posted by: Ms Sam Location: Wichita on Feb 26, 2008 at 03:07 PM
After reading the blogs, I have compasion for the people involved in this unfortunate incident. People with mental illness sometimes do not get the help that would be helpful. In some other states there is a training called CIT that works with the police force and the communications with those with mental illlness and their contacts with the police force. It is my hope that this sad incident will somehow increase the interest in CIT trainings locally.
Posted by: vince Location: Ks. on Feb 26, 2008 at 04:54 AM
lets wait for the facts before we pass judgement on who's at fault here. i recall alot of people acusing the cops in the Rodney King deal of wrong doing, before knowing King resisted arrest, and was high on PCP.
Posted by: anonymous Location: wichita on Feb 26, 2008 at 03:14 AM
is there a reason why stones are already being cast at the deputy before the investigation is complete? what would you do if you were in his place? I have no idea what i would do or how it would turn out. I would hope I would not be the one sent to the hospital. I would want to go home to my family and friends. To all you brave men and women in law enforcement, thank you for doing your job. It's something I could not do. to the general public who are quick to cast judgement, what if you were in the deputy's shoes, what would you do?
Posted by: Dallas on Feb 26, 2008 at 12:26 AM
To anonymous: I'm not sure you read my comments accurately...I do respect your input. I firmly believe we need better communication between our law enforcement and citizens. Transparency in law enforcement is essential for the public trust. Our detention officers as well as the inmates housed in the Sedgwick County Jail must answer to an inept sheriff's administration. It is my hope people on this post and in our community help return transparency and accountability to the Sheriff's Office on Novemember 4th.
Posted by: Candy Location: Wichita on Feb 25, 2008 at 11:34 PM
I am stunned by what has happened to Ed. I have known Ed for many years and many like Ed who struggle with mental illness. There comes a time when we need to question and evaluate when choices cross the line. Does stopping someone who is out of control and clearly off meds reach the point of turning into a beating frenzy how we handle situations? We need to evaluate taking all meds away from individuals who are placed in the jail system and what meds they are allowed to have. Medications are very important to individuals who have mental illness otherwise they are not themselves. I am saddened by the treatment which individuals receive under these conditions. I have been a victim of a crime and I can appreciate the law and those who enforce it but it appears this individual lost control and could not stop beating Ed. No individual deserves to be struck that many times and that severely. Where is our humanity?
Posted by: Krista on Feb 25, 2008 at 10:42 PM
First I would like to send my prayers to both the Deputy and the "beaten Inmate" sounds like a sad situation for both to me. A "no winner" if you will. Being a nurse myself I was drawn to the question of... the clinic staff not being trained in anyway (self defence or how to react if such need arrises) I am a nurse and it would scare me to be in such an enviroment without this vital training. Its obvious there was a "clinic staff" there during this altercation. Had she/he been trained could this have in anyway prevented or helped the situation? Just a thought. Why send anyone into a jail without some sort of training in reguards to the type of altercations you may be forced to handle. Seems foolish to me.
Posted by: Annon Location: this shit hole on Feb 25, 2008 at 07:57 PM
What would you do Personally, if someone whom refuses to take their pshy meds, Mr. Richard in reference to, and has not takin them for some time do to the fact that He is "so far gone" that he doesn't even know what he is saying or what the consequences of his own actions are? keep this in mind that people that are mental can't feel pain like you or I who in text book form would call eachother normal, He comes rushing out of his room at the Deputy and proceeds to attack the Deputy. What would you do presonally if this had happened to you . The media likes to twist what the family says and the family hasn't even had contact with Mr. Richard until this incident. My personal feeling is that the family is seeing dollar signs$$$$$$$ and I bet mr. Richard won't even see any of the money that is potentially awarded. The family hasn't even put any money on the inmates books so he could buy commisary. know the facts before you start slandering a good man. This is a good man. I know him.
Posted by: ron Location: wichita on Feb 25, 2008 at 07:25 PM
1st off the news media tells you only half of the story, none of you know the half that wasn't put in the story. 2nd of all if you have worked in the jail, been in jail, or taken a tour of the jail then you should know that it is better him then the men and women in blue. Yes there are bad officers out there but this officer is not bad at all. it was pure self protection in my aspect of this whole delima
Posted by: Anonymous on Feb 25, 2008 at 06:27 PM
To Wendel K: You said the paraplegic did a poor job of explaining to the female deputy that he was paralyzed? What?! Are you serious? The guy is in a wheelchair? I don't think people ride in wheelchairs for the heck of it. Get real. No excuse for a jailer/cop/deputy to treat a human being that way. Don't see how he could be uncooperative. How was he going to get away? Not a threat if you ask me! As for this guy half beaten to death, I am sure after his head cracked once he was probably unconscious. I doubt he sustained that much head trauma to now be in a coma and still be fighting. Someone else said that the deputies in the jail don't have batons, so how did this deputy did all this damage? With his fists and feet? What injuries does this deputy have? None, some, or is he hospitalized too with a couple of broken fists? He must've bashed the guy's head against the cement floor of the jail. It takes ALOT of crack somebody's skull. I don't have to watch CSI to know that!
Posted by: Barb Location: Wichita on Feb 25, 2008 at 06:01 PM
I know this man and he is a kind and very polite person when he is on his medication and the symptoms of his mental illness are under control. Some people enter jail when they are very sick and have been off of medication, at times they do not cooperate and cause trouble. The jail system is not equipped to react to the symptoms of their illness. People with mental illness need to be treated in mental health facilities not in jails. Being beaten because you have a mental illness is a crime. I am sad for everyone who was involved in this situation. I am angry that it is happening quite often in our jails and prisons. People who have a mental illness should not be warehoused in jails, they should receive treatment and support so they can remain stable.
Posted by: M Location: Wichita on Feb 25, 2008 at 05:52 PM
Visiting him less than 2 hours in all his combined jail time over the past year shows this family really cared about their loved one.
Posted by: J Location: the house on Feb 25, 2008 at 05:24 PM
Imagine that, the violent behavior this inmate has shown time and time again is now brought to light. Its about time KAKE. It only took 90 comments and countless people to say that. But, still reported earlier than KWCH. But wait, KWCH actually reported accurate information the first time. Anyway, the only thing the family is looking into is how much $$$$$$$$$. Thank you to the judge for not allowing a violent repeat offender back to the care of those that dont. If nothing had been done many more people, innocent people, could have been injured. Thank you deputy. On behalf of the family members of inmates in your custody. Whatever judge ordered this inmate to stay in jail, good job. As for the persons involved being charged, the inmate should definately be charged with aggravated assault of a corredctions officer. Felony!!!! Maybe the inmate can be found guilty and sent to Larned for proper medical attention for his mental illness. Its nature versus nurture. Nature always win.
Posted by: Bradley Location: Wichita on Feb 25, 2008 at 05:24 PM
I don't care what the man did...nobody deserves to be beat this severely. The officer(s) involved should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Sure, they may get tired of dealing with the lower standard of society...but we are all still human....where is the compassion? This should be considered attempted murder and charged as such.
Posted by: Steve Location: Wichita on Feb 25, 2008 at 05:14 PM
What's everyone so afraid of? If the deputies did it, as they've been accused of before, then they should be punished. If they didn't do anything, then they should be cleared. What I'd like to know is why there would be any violence because it's not authorized in the jail's policy. REstraining a prisoner is allowed but not beating a prisoner. With all of the jail violence going on around the nation, the only thing corroberating these victims stories are the videos of the incident.
Posted by: N/a Location: Wichita on Feb 25, 2008 at 04:55 PM
He was in jail for assault on an officer....and now he is the victim. Perhaps the family only takes responsiblity for him when he is a victim and off his meds. If they cared or were that proactive they would make sure he was on his medications and stable...Better yet, let's play the race card and create a problem because they can't control the problems they already have.
Posted by: Will Location: Wichita on Feb 25, 2008 at 04:51 PM
Listen to all you, throwing stones. Oh this should be done, that should be done. You don't know, you were not there. Did he or did he not use too much force? Who knows, I was not there, I don’t know what happened. But was this a police conspiracy against the black man, hell no, shut up. You people drive me insane. Has nothing to do with race, has to do with one man, assaulting another man, then getting beaten. Was the beating excessive? Who knows but the people that were present and the investigators. Someone chokes me they are going to the hospital also. For those of you casting stones at the deputy, choking someone is a lethal force issue. The question is was that point crossed? Would you have the same problem with an armed officer shooting someone who was choking him? Now what if that person was choking you? Then would you care? Drop your race and conspiracy theories. It is a single situation that must be looked at. You voted for the Sheriff to do just that, let him.
Posted by: anonymous Location: Wichita on Feb 25, 2008 at 04:43 PM
No one but the deputy or deputies and the man involved know what actually happened. If the man had a history of violence to law enforcement, hello, he probably was being violent. No he shouldn't not be in a coma, but he is supposed to be obeying the rules that are set forth while he is in jail. I happen to know several Deputies and know that their lives are also on the line every day they go to work. They get threats from inmates. One Deputy with many inmates is a little scary. They put their lives on the line to "babysit" those who are in jail. Would we as citizens want all of them to be running the streets. You know you feel better knowing that some of of them are behind bars. As for his family not being able to visit him while he's in the hospital: How many of his family memebers visited him while he was in jail. Probably not very many of them, if any of them, at all. Maybe his family should have been trying to do something to help him before he ended up in jail.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: wichita on Feb 25, 2008 at 04:31 PM
my friends brother was sent to another jail in kansas because i guess the county was full his finger swole(overnight) up to the size of 4 fingers before he got any medical attention when he noticed it he made guards aware they said they had to wait for sedgwick counties approval which took two days and then he had to be shipped back to sedgwick county before he got help
Posted by: Jared Cerullo Location: Wichita on Feb 25, 2008 at 04:12 PM
Hello everyone. Please check out my latest blog entry where I write more about this story. Click on Blogs at the top of the homepage.
Posted by: Amazed Location: Wichita on Feb 25, 2008 at 04:03 PM
Hey Cliff, I'm sorry you can't comprehend what I was saying. I can think of 4-5 in the last two year in Sedgwick County. Pay attention...Soooo, let me get this straight, Cliff, you run from the police in your car, when you finally stop and refuse to get out of the car, it's okay, the police should just wait or leave. Say they go so far as to remove you from the car and you start fighting or maybe refusing to obey their orders, do they need to stop there and wait to see if you will comply on your own? No, so they grab you and then the fights on, are they supposed to let you flail around on the ground, let you continue to disobey orders or subdue you? Subdue you would be the correct answer. I doubt that she was giving her medical history while this was going on, it was probably found out after the tussle was over and the cops started noticing something wasn't right. It was an unfortunate situation but I'm sure you have some simple solution that the police haven't ever heard for all this..
Posted by: John Location: Wichita on Feb 25, 2008 at 03:51 PM
If the information about broken teeth and five skull fractures is accurate, and if those injuries were sustained at the hands of jail staff, then I cannot imagine any amount of provcation that would justify that kind of response. Mental illness requires treatment, not bludgeoning. We close our state hospitals and reduce funds going to community programs leaving the task to jail staff to treat our family members, neighbors, and friends who happen to suffer from mental illnesses. We can do better.
Posted by: Charles Location: Wichita on Feb 25, 2008 at 03:49 PM
Lets not forget Dennis Rader - sometimes people pass all the screening that is in place. You can't say the Sheriff's Office has poor training, nor can you say that procedures weren't followed. Sounds like this is all on one persons shoulders. He/she must have reached the boiling point and snapped. I hope this situation doesn't end in tragedy for either side.
Posted by: Wendel K. Location: Emporia on Feb 25, 2008 at 02:31 PM
To Anonymous at 11:38am. Those "cops" that dumped the guy out of the wheelchair you are referring to, was actually one FEMALE deputy, and charges were brought against her. By the way, if you watch the video of the guy in the wheelchair, you will see that he was being less than cooperative with the deputy. Granted, he is a paraplegic, and I didn't expect him to get up, but he did a poor job of trying to explain that to the deputy. I personally thank the media and those stupid CSI shows. There it depicts treating cops like crap, and now society thinks it's okay to treat cops that way. I ain't a cop, but then again, these are the guys (and gals) that can easily take my freedom. I don't think that treating them like 2nd class citizens is right. I don't want to be treated that way. I will say that if the deputy is found to have used excessive force against the inmate, shame shame and take whatever the punishment. I want more info than KAKE has to offer first though. (Editors note: KAKE News will continue to follow the story.)
Posted by: Lina Location: Wichita on Feb 25, 2008 at 02:00 PM
This is just a blemish on our city to hear of things like this. Of course we don't know the circumstances, but even if the inmate did resist or attack an officer he should have been restrained, i can see some bruises, but several fractons to the head and in acoma?! That is riduclious. I know their are great law enforcement officers out there, but what happened to this guy makes me understand why the public resents some law enforcement.
Posted by: rich Location: Wichita on Feb 25, 2008 at 01:46 PM
Sounds to me like one less criminal on the streets. I totally agree--you don't want a jail house beat down, stay the heck out of jail!
Posted by: Anonymous on Feb 25, 2008 at 11:38 AM
You have to wonder how you would act if cops were roughing you up during an arrest. I have never been arrested, but I am sure that if someone had me flat on my stomach, a knee in my neck and in my back, I might struggle a little bit just out of natural reaction and I am a female. Time and time again you see it on TV, two or three cops dogpiled on somebody and all of them yelling, "relax" or "hold still". Can anyone honestly say that if you had two or three people on top of you and you couldn't breath that you'd just lay there and let the life get squashed out of you without a fight, cop or not? It has to be scarey, when cops are on you like that, that they won't exercise control and hurt you. I am not trying to put all cops down, but there are some that definetly need more training. Like the cops that dumped the handicapped guy out of his wheelchair, or in this situation, was beating the guy until he had skull fractures really necessary? Sounds like the cop almost killed him.
Posted by: cliff Location: wichita on Feb 25, 2008 at 10:28 AM
Hay, "Amazed" its a little for the prisoner to "spout off" when hes in a coma. and there havent been many cops fired or tried criminally. how about the lady diabetic whos arm they broke and beat her up? the judge said it was ok "because they thought she was drunk" five skull fractures is quite a bit excessive.
Posted by: some whre in kansas Location: wichita on Feb 25, 2008 at 10:17 AM
please at least let the family go and see him for christ sakes he is in a comma and may never come out he should at least be able to have vistors i bet the other inmate gets is visits
Posted by: Anonymous on Feb 25, 2008 at 10:07 AM
To Dallas.....Spoken like a true cop...I don't want to here from the one sided cops, of course they are going to support another cop, right or wrong ...I want to hear from the public they are suppose to serve
Posted by: ms p Location: wichita on Feb 25, 2008 at 09:50 AM
oh my gosh no one really know what's going on half of these people commenting are deputies or deputies family members i'm neither one they say he is in medical coma because he has a history of doing the same thing maybe the officer had no choice or maybe he got carried away we will never know i think the jail is short staffed and they need to be trained better so it not the officer's fault he wasn't trained correctly and i'm going off of information from these comments because i didnt know that they don't get trained before getting sent into the cells and where is the mans family if it true they never put money on his books or visited they may be after money and they maybe entitled to it it's it gods hands because he know what happend
Posted by: Leroy on Feb 25, 2008 at 09:43 AM
Has anyone contacted the Rev Jesse Jackson or the Rev Sharpton. This abuse by the law enforcement has got to stop!
Posted by: Marcus Location: Wichita, Ks on Feb 25, 2008 at 09:42 AM
To the bankers and secretaries out there passing judgement...wait and see for the real story and don't pass judgement. Most of you have already convicted the Deputy! The media is supposed to make the news worthy of your attention, otherwise we would all be watching the Discovery Channel. Give those the benefit of the doubt before slamming the gavel. No I am not a detention Deputy, no I don't know what happened outside of what KAKE reported. Let's wait and see before we send the Deputy up the river. Maybe, just maybe, he was purely protecting himself, and the inmate fell...a couple of times!
Posted by: anonymous on Feb 25, 2008 at 09:15 AM
Mentally Handicap people do make choices, like the one who walked in and killed an innocent Qt clerk. Just because he was mental dont think for 1 second this man did not know what he was doing, sometimes it might be to late to think. If he did not attack an officer in the jail it could have been you or you loved one in the streets. Then lets see how much force is used when your life is at stake.
Posted by: Amazed Location: Wichita on Feb 25, 2008 at 08:45 AM
It's too bad that so many people pass judgement with only a partial story. This is a terrible incident for both the victim, his family and the sheriff's office. As with any major incident that happens with a law enforcement agency they appear to automatically guilty of conspiracy and cover-up and you have the accuser (victim) spouting off their side of the story. So of course, it makes the cops look bad because they aren't making any comments. The cops cannot give specific details when there is an ongoing investigation and until the case is presented for charges to the DA. There have been several local cops fired and charged criminally, you just don't hear about it on the news, so the DA now has the reputation for turning her cheek. Another problem is that Joe Public does not have access to all of the facts, statements, witness', knowledge of the law and how cops are trained, etc. to make an educated statement, they generally get the mob mentallity. Bad situation for all.
Posted by: cliff Location: wichita on Feb 25, 2008 at 08:14 AM
sure, more money would protect our citizens from beatings. 5 skull fractures, broken teeth, and a crushed larnix. not over reacting at all. just justifiable voilence for the "bullies in blue"
Posted by: Dallas on Feb 25, 2008 at 05:45 AM
Our Detention Deputies deserve tremendous praise!! They have an administration who dresses them like police officers, wants them to behave like police officers, unless it involves equal pay and retirement. The Sheriff's Office faces tremendous challenges during the next four years. Everyone has heard the saying "to make money you must spend money." This applies not only in the business world, but with our Sheriff's Office. Detention Deputies are the foundation of the Sheriff's Office and if we are to address the serious problems created by the current administration, we must invest in this foundation. We need to elect a Sheriff who is transparent to the public and willing to shatter the policies and procedures of status-quo.
Posted by: ? Location: Wichita on Feb 25, 2008 at 12:02 AM
Most of those writing the comments have never worked in this type of environment. There comes a point when the deputy knows he has to protect himself and the clinic staff, who are not even offered any defense training. Then keep the pod of 50 inmates under control. So when an inmates goes after the deputy who should it be to get hurt, the deputy, clinic staff, or the inmate who already has threatened deputies and attacked other law enforcement? Would you like to go to the hospital if you were the deputy? Or would you fight for your life? If you do not know maybe you should take a tour, see what it is like on the inside.
Posted by: Dallas on Feb 24, 2008 at 11:49 PM
After reading all the comments, I've come to the conclusion this is what happens when the people become "disenfranchised" from their law enforcement. As a community, we do not feel the Sheriff's Office is here to serve us, but rather our tax dollars are there for them. Our voices are muted and were told to just pay the ticket when/where we receive it. (usually in the city limits of wichita) I dont know what happened with this particular situation, so I will not pass judgement until all facts are released. I do know the vast majority of road/detention deputies are incredible human beings and worthy of our respect. However, to me, the real issue was how this situation even came to pass. Our current Sheriff's Administration has policies and procedures which are recipies for something as unfortunate as this incident. There should be a pod, dedicated to inmates with severe mental health issues. Not only to protect the deputies, but the inmates as well. We need change! Remember Nov 4
Posted by: Kelly Location: Wichita on Feb 24, 2008 at 11:42 PM
No matter what there is always more then one side to a story. We will never know exactly what took place, the facts will never be flly known. I believe any individual would have reacted in a similar manner if they were put in the situation that the Deputy was. This deputy deserves a "Thank you". Thank you for protecting us, and thank you for doing a job not many can handle.
Posted by: anonymous Location: Correctional Facility on Feb 24, 2008 at 11:17 PM
Before a lot of you start saying how poor all these inmates are getting treated,you need to think again.I have worked in the prison (NO,not the jail) for a couple yrs now and these guys have more rights than most of the workers.What I don't understand is we hear about this guy getting beaten,why doesn't anyone want to comment on the guards getting stabbed or beaten as they go to serve them food,or while they walk rounds,and some of those type of inmates and more hardened ones are getting computers so they can have a chance to further their education,because they deserve a second chance.I wonder if some of the lives that were taken from some of these inmates deserve a second chance? Hmmmm,they have it rough huh??? So before some of you say that poor guy are you sure you are getting the whole story or just what the media wants to say?
Posted by: Justin Location: Derby on Feb 24, 2008 at 11:08 PM
shhhhh!! Don't put this in the news!!!!!!if Al Sharpton hears about it he'll try to turn it in to a racial thing!!
Posted by: B Location: RDO on Feb 24, 2008 at 11:07 PM
Be advised, that inmate was medically put into a coma because of his mental illness and inability to stop pulling out the medical equipment. Not to mention, upon arrival to the hospital, the inmate was fighting with the doctors and nurses as well as the transporting deputy. (Editors note: We asked about the medically induced coma and were told simply that he was in a coma and nothing more could be said due to HIPPA privacy concerns.)
Posted by: B Location: Glad I don't live in Wichita on Feb 24, 2008 at 10:08 PM
You're right we don't know both sides however "in a coma, has five skull fractures, broken teeth, and a tracheotomy in his neck." is a bit much for one man that was trying to get out of his cell--makes one wonder--and to not allow family in to visit--makes one wonder doesn't it--you can say all you want but the injuries that severe are totally outrageous and J wonder if you'd feel the same way if it was one of your relatives--doubtful.
Posted by: J Location: The House on Feb 24, 2008 at 08:31 PM
Try this on for size Joe Public. Instead of sitting at your computer desk and passing judgement, try thanking the men and women in uniform for being in your childs school and in your community ensuring that you feel safe in your community. No matter where you live, any municipality in Sedgwick County. These officers and deputies are willing to DIE for you. These people that you all say are so "BAD" are the same people you call when you're taking your kids to the movies and a car passes you at 80 MPH swerving lane to lane. The same people you require to come to your house and find the hardened criminal that knocked over your mailbox or TPd your front lawn. When that criminal is caught, then that job of housing and caring for the safety of that inmate falls on the part of law enforcement that people dont see or understand. But those people do it without complaint. These same people in uniform save lives too. Those families that have benefitted from this I know are grateful.
Posted by: B Location: RDO on Feb 24, 2008 at 07:15 PM
No one was there when this all went down. None of you can say you would react differently if hindsight wasn't 20/20. This inmate has been booked in the county jail since 10/31/2008. Not once has any money been put on his account, nor has the family came to see him one time. But now that a event has taken place involving this family member that they "care for" so much happens, they're all his family. Perhaps the world would be a better place if people cared about the man before this incident. It is apparent that the family loves this man for the simple fact that he might be entitled to some cold hard cash.
Posted by: Anonymous on Feb 24, 2008 at 06:02 PM
As a law enforcement officer you either react and overcome or you die. There was no time for this deputy to wait for backup. He was facing an inmate that is known to attack officers, has made countless death threats towards officers and is known for violent outbreaks. The deputy was doing his job when the inmate attacked him. Keep in mind at the time the deputy may have had as many as 55 other inmates to deal with. He had to end the confrontation as quickly as possible. If not, his life and that of the nurse there to pass meds, could have easily ended. For those who think he should have restrained him, I ask you this...Have you ever had to restrain a highly combative individual? When your life is in the balance you do what you have to to end the confrontation as quickly as possible. THERE ARE NO 2ND CHANCES!
Posted by: annonymous on Feb 24, 2008 at 04:53 PM
To the one who said he must have used a club...wow where do you get your information? These Deputies are sent into these pods with nothing but their bare hands..not even a tazer..NOTHING! I know because I use to work in the jail and no Im not a guard. I dont know the details of what happened but I will say this, there is racial profiling everywhere but does anyone know weather the gaurd was black,or white? NO! Even Kake only really got uninformed info from the family..they themselves said they are getting mixed stories and information! The deputies I worked with are mothers, fathers, brothers..just like you and me. They do not think they are above the law, they barely hold a badge, and have no real privedges as a officer. I am familier with the beaten inmate from a prior stay when I worked there. This is no frail 59 yr old man, he is very mentally ill with a long history of unexplained violent behavior. Truth is we heard NO FACTS in the kake story, we have no idea what really happenend.
Posted by: Paul M. Location: El Dorado on Feb 24, 2008 at 04:31 PM
Jeff....... your a sad excuse for the law enforcement side. Where have you been? This man you say "paid the price when he decided to risk his life," is mentally handicapped and a Psychiatric patient. What kind of decisions do mentally handicapped people make?
Posted by: apple on Feb 24, 2008 at 04:23 PM
There is a wall that continues to build between the law enforcement and the public. Primarily perpetrated by a few of the "want to be a cop' jail guards and the I don't give a crap officers on the street that are burnt out. Barney Fifes. If you are burnt out, quit! Find a job you are happy with, do us and your families a favor, but don't take it on on the prisoners or the public you are hired to, guard, serve and/or protect. Public is getting fed up with it.
Posted by: wendi Location: towanda,ks on Feb 24, 2008 at 04:20 PM
Yes,I would like to comment on the man beaten in the jail. In my own thoughts i think sometimes not always the law enforcement uses more force than is necessary specially to cause this man to be on his death bed how justice is that.I think the world needs to look at some of the things that happen in our jails and prisons they are not much more better than the inmates themselves. Thanks for hearing me.
Posted by: Bob Location: Wichita on Feb 24, 2008 at 03:58 PM
How is it that most of the people on here, so easily want to hang the deputy out to dry without knowing all the facts? Is it that most of the people that post on here were once inmates at the facility themselves? To those individuals there is nothing that any of the deputies could have done that would be correct. For the others you need to let all the facts come out cause I can tell you this much (Kake on your side) has the facts all screwed up like they always do when it comes to reporting what is going on in the Detention facility. First big flaw in their reporting is that the inmate in question is a coma from the beat down. Wrong!!! he was medically placed into a coma do to his mental state. They where afraid that he would hurt himself or staff more while at the hospital. Second big flaw that the report is that they did not tell you is that when the family did show up at the hospital there was not the 3 that they showed on TV. There was close to 15 people all trying to get in a see
Posted by: Anonymous on Feb 24, 2008 at 03:39 PM
This is directed to this J person i hope you go to jail some time and get the crap beat outta you. you must no something all these other peopl e dont
Posted by: sgt joe friday Location: work on saturday on Feb 24, 2008 at 03:30 PM
I guess the ole boy messed with the wrong officer. They need to give a medal to the officer and let him lead future train cources on behavior modification exercises for prisoners. From what I see he know his stuff
Posted by: Ted on Feb 24, 2008 at 02:25 PM
Andrew we aren't talking about whining or not be treated fairly, we are talking about a guard who was aware of the inmates condition and lost his temper and attempted to kill him. Don't lie, you were never in jail. You are probably one of the guards that remain anonymous and bombard us with your twisted minds about how a man deserves to get beaten to death. Who pray tel made you judge and jury? Your one sided comments show the average IQ of most guards.
Posted by: Jeff Location: Wichita on Feb 24, 2008 at 02:05 PM
I just read all of the comments. Someone on here had it right. THe people who spout off making no sense are all the ones who usually arent part of the profession. There is alot of ignorance being shown by alot of people who A. Dont understand what the deputies are trained to do, and B. Just want to blame someone because there is controversy. I hope the deputy is okay, and that he is able to go back to work. I hope the other man survives, but if not, its the price he paid when he decided to risk his life. He initiated the process. He provoked the deputy by not following the rules. The deputy merely responded. Thank you Sedgwick County Sheriffs Office, you are a great group of PROFESSIONALS!!
Posted by: andrew Location: augusta on Feb 24, 2008 at 01:49 PM
I think the officers that work in the jail are doing a good job i have been in the jail a few times for crimes i commited i did my time and sure some of them had attitudes but i feel that i was treated fairly they have to put up with the worst of the worst i seen alot of them get tested quite often i do not know the details but i'm sure it was not a racial issue everytime a black person has something happen to them they go screaming racial profiling if that were true why would there so many black c.o's working in the facility i think if you do the crime do the time stop complaning the whole time i was in there i just heard how everyone was being treated unfairly inmates complain nonstop sometimes all night long when the rest are trying to sleep im sure he wasn't innocent hopefully by the time i'm 59 i will listen to what i'm told and will not still be in jail
Posted by: joe Location: wichita on Feb 24, 2008 at 01:41 PM
I would bet that the inmates skull fractures were caused by a hard wooden club, and the officer had someone holding him while he was severely clubbed in the head. It does not get much closer to killing than this. It is obvious that the officer was enraged to the point of using a club. I am sure that he has done this before. Mace or pepper spray would have been easier. Or using a stun gun. There is no need for this kind of abuse from the law enforcement officers when they have other means to subdue a person. The officer should be fired and if the inmate is injured for the rest of his life, the officer should pay for his treatment and upkeep.
Posted by: Ted on Feb 24, 2008 at 01:24 PM
Are you saying if you or I go to jail we can expect to get our butt kicked? J...where did you get your inside information that the beaten inmate is no where near death? Did someone leak information to you? How dare you judge his family! You must be work as a guard and support the abuse.
Posted by: Anonymous on Feb 24, 2008 at 12:26 PM
Okay how about the fact none of this would have happened if he would have kept his butt out of jail! How about that!
Posted by: J Location: the house on Feb 24, 2008 at 11:47 AM
First off, there seems to be a horrible misconception put in the news about an inmate that is no where nearer death than I am. If the family of the inmate is reading this, where were you the last year that this inmate has been incarcerated? Its a money train, get on board!!!! Its obvious theres not much money flowing in that family, seeing as the inmate never received not even a dime to purchase a pair of socks or even a t-shirt while in jail. Pass the message to your ambulance chasing attorney as well. As for the deputy involved, I hope you are doing fine. And the uninformed citizens, well, we all know the media is biast at best. Please attempt to get a small amount of truth before you crucify a man for guaranteeing that every one else in his scope of responsibility went home safely. I am sure the jail is always hiring. Oh yeah, "Those who can, do. Those who can't, criticize and judge." Law Enforcement officers in all departments do the jobs that you people dont and cant do
Posted by: Leann Location: Oklahoma on Feb 24, 2008 at 11:11 AM
My heart goes out to this man and his family, and even though I believe in the criminal justice system, I also know there are a lot of flaws in it to. The absolute love of my life is in a correctional facility in Ark, and I have heard first Hand on how some of the inmates get treated by these so called gaurds, and how they carry things way to far, but are never heard of because other inmates are to scared to speak up for fear of the same brutal beatings, so wears the justice in that?
Posted by: Mitch Location: Wichita on Feb 24, 2008 at 10:25 AM
The Sheriff's Dept. was obviously aware of this inmates potential to be uncooperative. They say he used to cry at night in his cell as a result of his mental condition. The officers are taught to implement special restraining techniques, a "show of force" if you will, for potentially combative inmates. It is used to limit the potential for injury to an inmate or guard. Yet they obviously never implemented what they were taught. Why? The guard in question needs to be held accountable for vigilantly behavior. The guard tempted fate and caused this incident. If he had only followed procedure...... Shame on the undersheriff for his part in this attempt to cover up this abuse of power. We need to make a change on election day.
Posted by: Sandy on Feb 24, 2008 at 08:20 AM
Addressed to John Law, "I always have said open the cell. beat the guy to within a inch of his life and leave him lay for the other trouble makers to see." You sound like a criminal yourself. What kind of vigilantly thinking did your parents raise you have? You are no better than the criminal! You are probably a guard and blowing off some steam, but that scares me even worse. People like you help prove our point about the brutal mentality of law enforce today.
Posted by: Mike on Feb 24, 2008 at 08:13 AM
Chris, I am speaking out agaist the abuse of law enforcement and, other than a parking ticket and one spending violation when I was much younger, I have never commited a crime. I pay my taxes vote and have raised a family. Who is judging who now.
Posted by: Angela Location: Kingman on Feb 24, 2008 at 03:28 AM
It is ridiculous that these police officers, who are there to protect and serve, are beating these inmates to almost death. This is becoming very common every day. It makes you wonder what kind of people we really have in the law departments. I am an avid law abiding citizen, but when I see stories such as this, it makes me sick to think that such a person in an authoritive position can get away with such things. The officer in question should have definately been suspeneded, but without pay. That's just giving them an extra vacation on top of whatever vacation hours they have earned. It's ridiculous and it needs to stop. It's really no wonder why so many people are devoloping such a dislike for the law officers. They need to screen some of these people a little better before they give them a gun, a badge, and a taser.
Posted by: anonymous Location: wichita on Feb 24, 2008 at 12:25 AM
first I have to say I have the highest respect for all deputies, county and city. They have a job i could never do. They risk their life every day.
Posted by: anonymous on Feb 24, 2008 at 12:19 AM
I ask anyone who questions the force this Deputy used to walk a mile in his shoes and apply for his job. Policy requirements: 18 yrs old fresh out of high school, no experence nessasary. You will be given little training,your bare hands, and hopefully you have a will to survive. Your Placed in a pod with 40 inmates, Many with serious mental illnesses that lead to aggresive, violent behavior, and no self control. These mental ill inmates will be placed in a small cell where aggression due to his illness will worsen if not treated correctly. You have no choice but to open his door, and attempt to provide care.Remember you have to maintain control of 39 inmates behind you, the one in front of you, and protect not only yourself but the clinic staff (with no self defence training) beside you. When and if you are attacked by an inmate,and IN FEAR OF YOUR LIFE, will your first thought be "am I using to much force"? Question Steed and his policies thats who failed this inmate and the DEPUTY!
Posted by: anonymous Location: Wichita on Feb 23, 2008 at 10:25 PM
I agree with another comment below. The security staff are expected to be trained to control a situaitn not do bodily harm. I am embarrased that this 59 year old man coudl not be controlled with out enduring an such unnecessary beating. I think they need to revisit their traning procedures.
Posted by: anonymous Location: kansas on Feb 23, 2008 at 09:58 PM
Allowing Nola Folston to review the situation is a joke. She has never reviewed an alleged abuse situation by law enforcement that she hasn't like. Ever! And like most criminals you will never witness law enforcement admit to any wrongdoing. Ever! Even though the jail is actually a breeding ground for criminals in uniform who go unpunished. As long as that's the modus operandi the jailer becomes no different than the jailed. Matter of fact, as this situation proves, they become worse!
Posted by: anonymous Location: kansas on Feb 23, 2008 at 07:37 PM
that is all the deputies no how to do i to have a family member beaten for just because they get bored the marshall are the worst but i'm a firm believer that those who hind behind there badges are not real men and that also goes for judges because they will stand behind them doing something wrong is one thing but there are better ways to handle it lets pray that this guy lives
Posted by: john law Location: speaking on Feb 23, 2008 at 07:23 PM
I would be willing to bet he wont be any trouble to the correction officers again with or without his meds. problem solved officers are spit on pee'd on have crap thrown on them and what can the do about the abuse. nothing. I always have said open the cell. beat the guy to within a inch of his life and leave him lay for the other trouble makers to see. After awhile no more problems. As for an investigation not going anywhere you cant charge a guy for a crime he didnt commit
Posted by: Chris Location: Wichita on Feb 23, 2008 at 06:40 PM
I am so tired fo people not taking personal responsibility for their behavior. Perhaps this officer was defending himself. Maybe it was justified and maybe it wasn't. Those of us who do not work in this field have no idea what police, deptuies, guards, etc put up with on a daily basis. I find that people who usually speak out against the police aren't exactly folks who follow the law.
Posted by: Anonymous on Feb 23, 2008 at 05:04 PM
they sentenced him to serve time in jail not the death sentence. There are other ways of containing the people without beating the living hell out of them. What has this world come to!
Posted by: Dallas on Feb 23, 2008 at 04:24 PM
Our Detention Deputies are put in impossible situations like this one every day. The current administration has no real concern for the safety of the Detention Deputies or the inmates. If this Officer was defending himself and clinical staff, then we should not throw stones. However, we'll never know the real truth as the current sheriff's administration will hide behide their policies and procedures, ensuring they protect themselves from liability. More than likely throwing their employee under the "bus". Their current procedures, un-safe for all who enter the detention facility, allow for these type of things to happen. Inmates have no real grievance procedure while our fine men and women who serve this county in the detention facility have no means to protect themselves. We need a new sheriff's administration so we can return law enforcement back to the tax payers.
Posted by: maxine Location: manhattan on Feb 23, 2008 at 04:11 PM
These guards are trained in special restraining techniques. It should not take a broken skull to successfully restrain an inmate who is trying to leave his cell. Someone did not follow the procedure.
Posted by: Anonymous #2 on Feb 23, 2008 at 04:10 PM
Notice the recent comments by the Anonymous one. He or she is probably the same person making comment after comment in favor of the officer that commited felony assualt on a prisoner. Notice the times back to back 02:36 pm, 02:54pm, 03:33, 03:45. Sad.
Posted by: Anonymous on Feb 23, 2008 at 03:45 PM
I'm sure he must have done something to get put in jail in the first place just as I'm sure he did something to instigate the beating.
Posted by: Anonymous on Feb 23, 2008 at 03:33 PM
If I go into a local Walmart and attack the sales clerk, is that sales clerk going to worry if he hurts me NO! he is going to do what ever it takes to go home to his family and friends.
Posted by: Ruth on Feb 23, 2008 at 02:58 PM
How about if you break the law you go to jail........ not break the law you get beat to death. There are good officers but the good ones are protecting the bad ones.
Posted by: Anonymous on Feb 23, 2008 at 02:54 PM
You ever think of the 20 some odd inmates that are standing around while all this is going on? What about the clinic staff that was attempting to give the inmate the meds that isn't trained to engage!? Thats our first priority to protect, and what about the marks on the DEPUTIES neck! Your life and an innocent clinic staff's life is in danger with 20 inmates just standing around, and an inmate serving for multiple assault on a LEO, think about what really could have happened, I think our Law Enforcement did a fabulous job in controling the situation. One got severly injured in the process, but what really happened that started this all?
Posted by: Anonymous Location: EL DORADO on Feb 23, 2008 at 02:36 PM
I am so sick and tired of people covering for inmates. These guys in jail have more rights then their victims and the officers working in jail or a prison. To the comment of "i hope the family gets justice and lots of money", your ignorant, does the law enforcement officer he aggravated assaulted, get justice or lots of money yeah the answer to that is no. This society is so worried about criminal rights, when we need to worry about the rights of LAW ABIDING CITIZENS.
Posted by: Dallas on Feb 23, 2008 at 02:00 PM
Our Detention Officers are fine public servants, working in an impossible situation for low pay and 2nd class police status. Unfortunately, we have a sheriff's administration who concerns themselves more with stats then public safety. Good or bad, our sheriff's administration does not want the tax paying public to know what transpires in the jail. As a community, we need to return the power of law enforcement to the people, break the click and vote the sheriff out of office.
Posted by: Jake on Feb 23, 2008 at 01:28 PM
Officer Wally.....what an idiot! Get beat up = breaking the law and going to Jail? Who gives you the right to beat peoplup? Are you above the law? Defending yourself is one thing, beating a man to death is another. I e-mailed Rev. Jackson. Everyone jump on board and lets stop this abuse. How about the officer that dumped a paralysed man out of his wheel?
Posted by: Anonymous on Feb 23, 2008 at 01:03 PM
good advice officer wally! we'll all be good from now on just like you! I'm sure you have never done anything that could have landed you in jail.
Posted by: Dan on Feb 23, 2008 at 12:31 PM
I'ts getting old. No one is above the law. Law enforcement think they are. By covering for one bad apple you make the rest look rotten as well!
Posted by: Shawn Location: Colo Springs on Feb 23, 2008 at 11:49 AM
IT SOUNDS TO ME LIKE IT IS RACIAL. THE WICHITA POLICE DEPARTMENT HAS RACIAL PROFILING AND DON'T WANT TO ADMIT IT. THEREFORE THE JAIL MIGHT HAVE RACIAL PROFILING TOO. THAT'S SEDGWICK COUNTY'S FINEST FOR YOU. THOSE WHO DO RACIAL PROFILING EITHER IN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT OR THE JAIL NEED TO BE FIRED!
Posted by: officer wally Location: sedgwick co jail on Feb 23, 2008 at 11:42 AM
dont want to get beat up in jail I got the answer. DONT BREAK THE LAW.
Posted by: john Location: wichita on Feb 23, 2008 at 11:30 AM
Our jail is out of control. The news should get out how bad they treat prisoners. The retard jailers are a joke. They are social rejects..........................
Posted by: Tammie on Feb 23, 2008 at 11:16 AM
Wonder if the deputy's first name is David, He pushed and hit me around too. NOT a bit surprised to me this has been going on down town for many years. I hope this family gets justice and LOTS of money!
Posted by: elizabeth Location: salina on Feb 23, 2008 at 11:16 AM
This inmate is in a coma? There had to be more than one deputy involved, for that to happen...bet nothing comes of the investigation
Posted by: Mimi Location: Wichita on Feb 23, 2008 at 11:09 AM
It doesn't matter why he was in jail, he was serving his time. What matters here is that he was obviously subdued with extreme force, leaving him with pretty severe and potentially life threatening injuries. Just because one is an officer of the law does not give them the right to beat someone or restrain them with such force to cause these kinds of injuries. I think prayers for this mans family are in order and IF the officer involved is found guilty I hope appropriate measures will be taken to show him that what he did will not be tolerated.
Posted by: Sue Location: Wichita on Feb 23, 2008 at 09:35 AM
A man may be in jail, If the Judge wanted this done to him he would have orderd it. as for as the family they better let them see him.What a law suit this well be.
Posted by: anonymous Location: Sedgwick County on Feb 23, 2008 at 04:25 AM
Maybe the media should get all the info before broadcasting this story. That way we would stop the attempted defamation of charachter on our finest public servants. My understanding is the guard was attacked and the guard, nurse, and others lived. What would you do if you were attacked by a person with his history in that environment?
Posted by: anonymous Location: wichita on Feb 23, 2008 at 02:28 AM
i think the news people need all the facts before they air untruths deputies in and out of the jail put their lives in danger every day if people get robbed or raped or some criminal act they call the police and want something done ,have all the facts before u judge anyone or walk a day in their shoes and see how their lives are in danger
Posted by: Dallas on Feb 23, 2008 at 01:45 AM
Our current Sheriff's Administration does little to protect either the Detention Officer or the inmate. Everything stays status-quo, because they believe most people don't care. Let's show them we do care, and vote these leaders out of office on Novemember 4th.
Posted by: Dallas on Feb 23, 2008 at 01:41 AM
I don't have the facts of this incident, but I believe we need a dramatic change in leadership with the Sheriff's Office. Remember this when it's time to vote later this year.
Posted by: Anonymous on Feb 23, 2008 at 12:28 AM
FYI this inmate's charges are two counts of Aggravated Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer. He has a very long history of assaulting officers while in custody. He also regularly refuses his medication and treatment for his mental health issues. Before you rant about how he "did nothing" try to have all of the facts.
Posted by: Anonymous on Feb 22, 2008 at 11:19 PM
how much do you need to beat a 59 year old man before you are in control of the situation?
Posted by: Anonymous on Feb 22, 2008 at 11:08 PM
does it matter why he was in jail? he was serving his time, he was paying his debt. That's how it works. People, protect the officers!? C'mon GET REAL!! It seems that the officers are far to good at "protecting" themselves already huh!?
Posted by: Bob Location: wichita on Feb 22, 2008 at 11:05 PM
How sad. Just because he's in the hospital doesn't mean his privileges are any different? He's on the brink of death. What about his family's privileges. Do they not have a right to see him under these circumstances or is this considered a common problem at the jail and therefore no special arrangements are made. Sounds like excessive force and lack of mental health care.
Posted by: Dallas Location: Wichita on Feb 22, 2008 at 11:04 PM
there has to be a better way to subdue a person rather than giving them skull fractures and putting them into a coma. I wonder...was it that necessary and how are the officers trained to handle these situations? where was help? how many people were there to help handle the situation? There HAS to be a better way. Why can't the family see the man? What if he doesn't make it? one word to sum it up....SAD. I hope he makes it alright and hopefully a lot can be learned. But this story will probably fade and another will take it's place. It is gutwrenching to think of how selfish and greedy our society is. Most people could care less about this, and that is the truth. How are we going to end up?
Posted by: mike on Feb 22, 2008 at 10:41 PM
why was he in jail
Posted by: FOR REAL! Location: WICHITA on Feb 22, 2008 at 10:35 PM
IM SURE THAT THIS MAN DID NOTHING TO GET BEAT. AS ITS SO CALLED PUT..... WHY WAS HE THERE IN THE FIRST PLACE FOR DOING NOTHING..... WHEN ARE WE GOING TO START PROTECTING THE OFFICERS WHO ARE WORKING IN THESE JAILS AND STREETS? I FEEL VERY SORRY FOR THE MAN BUT NO ONE GET HURT FOR DOING NOTHING.
Posted by: James Location: w on Feb 22, 2008 at 10:05 PM
This is hardly the first time the jail has sent people to the hospital or morgue; something smells like fish