Rhyker Earl's Death During Seizure in DeMotte Sparks Calls for Body Cam Footage

On September 8, Rhyker Earl, a 26-year-old man with a history of epilepsy, suffered his second seizure of the day at his home in DeMotte, Indiana. His grandmother called for help, expecting assistance from the police and paramedics. However, upon their arrival, Earl was handcuffed and pinned to the floor, leading to a tragic outcome. Witnesses reported that he cried out, "I can't breathe," during the incident. After being restrained, Earl was placed on life support but succumbed to his condition two days later. His family, devastated by the loss, has since sought answers and justice, claiming that excessive force was used by the deputies. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump has joined their legal efforts, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in the case. In response to the family's demands, Sheriff Pat Williamson stated that the deputies acted to prevent Earl from harming himself, as he was reportedly banging his head on the floor. He claimed that Earl's breathing was not restricted while he was on a pillow provided by the family. The sheriff's office has indicated that they will release body cam footage of the incident once they are authorized to do so. The Lake County coroner is currently investigating the cause of death, which remains pending. The family’s call for the release of the body cam footage reflects their desire for clarity and justice in the wake of this tragic event, highlighting ongoing concerns about police conduct during medical emergencies.