Overview
- Deputy Richard Fatherley appeared from his attorney’s office for a first appearance that lasted less than two minutes.
- Court staff said the hearing was held by Zoom for scheduling purposes without any objection noted on the docket.
- Fatherley is charged with second-degree murder or, alternatively, involuntary manslaughter in the July 5 death of Charles Adair, with filings alleging a knee on Adair’s back for about 1 minute 26 seconds.
- Adair’s family and supporters rallied outside the courthouse, pressed for release of body-camera video, and criticized the earlier use of a summons instead of an arrest.
- The defense waived a formal reading of charges and says it will seek an acquittal, the next court date is set for Dec. 19, and the family has requested a $25 million county settlement.