Man Experiencing Seizures Placed in Handcuffs by Police Before His Death
Rhyker Earl, 26, died after having a seizure on September 8, 2024, at a home in DeMotte, Indiana. His grandmother called 911 for help, and Jasper County sheriff’s officers arrived at the scene. The officers placed Earl in handcuffs for his safety and that of the medical providers, as he was in an excited state and did not respond to pleas from deputies or his family to remain calm.
The family claimed that officers pinned Earl face down on the floor on a pillow and administered sedatives for a lengthy period. Earl’s aunt, Miracle Gawlinski, stated that he pleaded for his life, saying “I can’t breathe Help me!” After about 15 minutes, Earl went limp, and his aunt noticed he was turning blue. An EMT took his pulse, and he was not breathing. Earl was taken off life support on September 10, 2024.
The Jasper County Sheriff, Patrick Williamson, defended the officers’ actions, stating that they followed proper training and did not restrict Earl’s breathing. However, the family and their attorney, Ben Crump, have demanded full transparency and accountability in the investigation, including the immediate release of body cam footage. They argue that the situation escalated and used excessive force, leading to Earl’s preventable death.
