Family Sues Over Kansas Jail Death After Deputy Allegedly Kneeled on Inmate's Back

Lawsuit filed after investigators determined inmate died from deputy's actions

Apr. 18, 2026 at 1:12am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a pair of handcuffed wrists against a pitch-black background, the harsh lighting and dramatic composition conveying the serious, investigative nature of this crime story.The tragic death of Charles Adair in a Kansas jail has sparked a federal lawsuit and renewed calls for greater transparency and accountability around use of force by law enforcement.Kansas City Today

Relatives of a jail inmate named Charles Adair have filed a federal wrongful death lawsuit after investigators determined he died when a Kansas sheriff's deputy kneeled on his back for one minute and 26 seconds while he was handcuffed.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about use of force and lack of accountability in jails and prisons, as well as the need for greater transparency around incidents that lead to inmate deaths.

The details

According to the lawsuit, the deputy shoved his knee into Adair's back while he was handcuffed, leading to his death. Attorneys for Adair's family are demanding the release of video footage of the incident.

  • The incident occurred in a Kansas jail in 2025.
  • Adair's family filed the federal lawsuit on April 18, 2026.

The players

Charles Adair

A jail inmate who died after a deputy kneeled on his back.

Kansas Sheriff's Department

The law enforcement agency that employed the deputy involved in the incident.

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What they’re saying

“We must have transparency and accountability for what happened to Charles Adair. His family deserves justice.”

— Adair Family Attorney

What’s next

The lawsuit seeks the release of video footage and demands changes to use-of-force policies in the Kansas jail system.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the urgent need for greater oversight, de-escalation training, and accountability measures in jails and prisons to prevent unnecessary deaths of inmates.