DeMotte, Ind. – Nationally renowned civil rights and personal injury attorney Ben Crump and co-counsel Stephen M. Wagner of Wagner Reese have been retained by the family of 26-year-old Rhyker Earl, who tragically passed away on September 10, 2024, following a fatal encounter with law enforcement during a medical emergency. Earl, a father of two, experienced two seizures on September 8, leading his grandmother to call 911 for assistance.
When police and EMTs arrived, the situation escalated. The family said when Earl was still recovering from his seizure, he was confused and agitated and fell into an officer. Family members allege officers then forced Earl to the ground, handcuffed him, and pinned him face-down into a pillow. Despite his critical condition, Earl reportedly pleaded for his life before becoming unresponsive. He was later declared brain-dead at the hospital and taken off life support on September 10.
Attorney Crump issued the following statement:
“Rhyker Earl’s death should never have happened. His family called for medical help, but instead, they watched in horror as law enforcement escalated the situation and used excessive force. We demand full transparency and accountability in this investigation, including the immediate release of body cam footage. Rhyker’s family deserves justice, and we will not rest until those responsible are held accountable for this preventable tragedy.”
###
ABOUT BEN CRUMP LAW
Through his work, nationally renowned civil rights and personal injury attorney Ben Crump has spearheaded a legal movement to better protect the rights of marginalized citizens. He has led landscape-changing civil rights cases and represented clients in a wide range of areas including civil rights, personal injury, labor and employment, class actions, and more. Ben Crump Law is dedicated to holding the powerful accountable. For more information, visit bencrump.com.
