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Rhyker Earl death: Family lawyer responds to Lake County coroner’s report
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Rhyker Earl death: Family lawyer responds to Lake County coroner’s report

The family attorney for Rhyker Earl, the 26-year-old Indiana man who died after an encounter with police nearly two months ago, is speaking out in the aftermath. Release of Lake County Coroner’s report.

The incident occurred on September 8, when deputies from the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office were called to Earl’s home in Demotte, Indiana, to assist EMS crews during a medical emergency. Earl’s grandmother had called 911 after having a seizure. Earl, who has epilepsy, has had similar health emergencies in the past, often requiring police and medical attention.

According to the sheriff’s office, Earl appeared confused and resisted assistance from emergency services when deputies arrived. For his safety and the safety of those responding, deputies handcuffed him and noted that he appeared visibly agitated and unresponsive to attempts to calm him down.

Body camera footage of the incident shows Earl being handcuffed and lying face down on a pillow for more than 20 minutes. The sheriff’s office stated that his breathing was not restricted during this time. However, Earl soon became unresponsive and was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

On November 1, the Lake County Medical Examiner’s Office released its findings and concluded that Earl died of natural causes. The report mentioned heart enlargement that causes heart attack and cardiac arrest.

Earl, who leaves behind a six-year-old son and a two-year-old daughter, is remembered by his family as a loving father.

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Following the release of the coroner’s report, the family’s attorney, Ben Crump, released a statement questioning the circumstances surrounding Earl’s death and calling for further investigation:

“It is deeply disturbing that Rhyker Earl was restrained and tranquilized in front of his family in the midst of a medical emergency, despite his calls for help, in a way that raises serious questions. The Lake County District Attorney’s findings do not address the concerns.” To this end, the family’s lawyers have formally requested the entire file from the coroner and will have it reviewed by an independent forensic pathologist to ensure full transparency. responsibility.

“Our investigation will also focus on the actions of the police officers who escalated the medical emergency by handcuffing Rhyker face-down for an extended period of time, as well as the actions of the emergency workers who administered sedation without monitoring his vital signs. We owe it to Rhyker and his family to come forward with the full truth and defend all those responsible for this tragedy.” It needs to hold the parties accountable.”