A trip to the movie theater turned deadly for a man with Down syndrome last month, when he was arrested and then died in police custody.
VIDEO: DAMN! Teen Suffers Serious Face Wound, Blames NYPD For Police Brutality
Robert Saylor’s death in New Market, Md. is now being called a homicide. He was reportedly killed after lying face-down in police custody on Jan. 12. According to the medical examiner, Saylor, 26, died of asphyxiation.
Dr. George Kirkham, a criminologist and former law enforcement officer, told the Frederick News Post that Saylor’s death may have been caused by positional asphyxia.
A “law enforcement source familiar with the case” told the station that Saylor “went into distress when he was put face down on the ground.”
The incident started when police were reportedly called to a Frederick movie theater by employees who couldn’t get Saylor to leave. He had come to the theater with a health aide, paid admission for Zero Dark Thirty, but allegedly remained after it was over.
Baltimore County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Jennifer Bailey said that the case is under investigation, but the three officers involved in Saylor’s case – Lt. Scott Jewell, Sgt. Rich Rochford and Deputy First Class James Harris – are still working their normal assignments.
DETAILS: Say What?! NYPD Uses “Stop-And-Frisk” Procedure On Mostly Blacks & Hispanics!
The Frederick County State’s Attorney Charlie Smith is reviewing the incident and has not decided if the officers will be charged.
Saylor’s mom spoke to the press about her son’s bubbly personality.
“He just loved unconditionally everybody,” Patti Saylor said. “He has never had anyone put their hands on him in his life. He would not have been doing anything threatening to anybody.”
So sad. We hope the truth will come out regarding Saylor’s death and that those responsible will pay.
SOURCE: Huffington Post
