Parents sue deputies in death of man with Down syndrome at Maryland movie theater

By M. Alex Johnson, Staff Writer, NBC News:

Saylor's full-time aide told investigators that she warned the deputies that the 294-pound Saylor, who used a wheelchair, would "freak out" if they touched him.The parents of a man with Down syndrome on Thursday filed suit against three Maryland sheriff's deputies for causing his "violent, terrifying, and painful death" as they tried to remove him from a movie theater early this year.Robert Ethan Saylor, 26, of New Market, Md., asphyxiated on Jan. 12 after the three Frederick County deputies, who were moonlighting as mall security officers, dragged him out of the theater in handcuffs and restraints.

13 articles reviewing events following Robert Ethan Saylor's tragic death at a movie theater

from the Frederick News Post:

Perceptions and the police

Tuesday, April 16, 2013 6:00 am

In the News-Post’s Saturday lead story, Sheriff Chuck Jenkins argued that his department was capable of conducting use-of-force investigations. In particular, he was referring to two recent fatalities that involved sheriff’s deputies.

Deputy-involved deaths raise questions about internal investigations

Sunday, April 14, 2013 6:00 am

Frederick County Sheriff Chuck Jenkins says he believes his office is able to handle use-of-force investigations internally, even as calls increase for a more independent look at recent cases.

Deputies back on duty after Saylor death investigation

Saturday, April 13, 2013 6:00 am

The deputies who had Robert Ethan Saylor in custody just before his death have returned to full duty, Frederick County Sheriff Chuck Jenkins said Friday.

Supporting those with disabilities

Sunday, April 7, 2013 6:00 am

Our community is feeling horrible about the senseless death of Robert Saylor, a young man out to enjoy his recreation, but who could not seem to conform to rules that perhaps made no sense to him.

Justice Department hears from groups concerned about Saylor's death

Thursday, March 28, 2013 6:00 am

A conflict resolution office within the Department of Justice is working with Down syndrome advocacy groups and the family of a New Market man who died in January while in the custody of off-duty sheriff's deputies.

Death of arrested man with Down syndrome ruled homicide

by Brett Wilkins of Digital Journal:

The death of a mentally disabled Maryland man who was arrested by police after refusing to leave a cinema has officially been ruled a homicide.

The Washington Post reports that Frederick County Sheriff's Cpl. Jennifer Bailey announced on Friday that the state medical examiner's office has concluded that 26-year-old Robert Saylor of New Market died of asphyxia while in police custody on January 12.

Saylor, who had Down syndrome, allegedly refused to leave a movie theater after viewing "Zero Dark Thirty" on a Saturday night. According to ABC 7, Saylor, who was at the theater with a health aide, wanted to see the movie again. When Saylor refused to leave, cinema staff notified three Frederick County deputies working security at the venue.

The Frederick News-Post reports that Saylor allegedly cursed at the deputies, who then physically removed him from his seat and from the theater. Deputies claim Saylor continued to resist them and was subsequently handcuffed.

A law enforcement source familiar with the case told ABC 7 that Saylor went into medical distress when he was forced face-down to the ground. After realizing he was suffering from some sort of medical emergency, the deputies removed the handcuffs from Saylor and had him transported to a nearby hospital, where he was later declared dead.

Patti Saylor, the victim's mother, told ABC 7 last month that her son did not suffer from any pre-existing medical conditions and that she did not understand how he could have died in police custody.

"He just loved unconditionally everybody," she said. "He has never had anyone put their hands on him in his life. He would not have been doing anything threatening to anybody."

The three deputies involved in Saylor's arrest have been identified as: Lt. Scott Jewell, Sgt. Rich Rochford and Deputy First Class James Harris. All three continue to work their normal assignments while an investigation continues.

Read more: http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/343760#ixzz2LNK8vWSw