Three Frederick County deputies will not face charges after a man with Down Syndrome died in their custody, a grand jury ruled Friday.
The grand jury says there was no evidence of criminal behavior on the part of the deputies, News4's Jackie Bensen reported. The ruling comes five weeks after the death of Robert Ethan Saylor, 26, had been ruled a homicide.
Saylor, of New Market, died Jan. 12, after being handcuffed, face down by off-duty Frederick County sheriff's deputies working security at the Regal Cinemas Westview Stadium 16 in Frederick, Md.
Saylor had refused to leave because he wanted to sit through another showing of a movie.
He began having a medical emergency after being handcuffed. A police spokesperson said the deputies immediately removed the handcuffs and called for emergency medical services.
A medical examiner ruled that Saylor died of asphyxia.
The deputies were placed on administrative leave after his death.
On Friday, the grand jury heard from the three deputies, Saylor's 18-year-old caregiver, and 13 other witnesses, said State's Attorney Charlie Smith.
Their conclusion: The deputies' actions were not criminal.
Baltimore attorney Sharon Krevor-Weissbaum, who represents the Saylor family, told News4, "The family is extremely disappointed, saddened and concerned by the grand jury's decision. They remain troubled by the fact that the investigation was conducted by the Frederick County Sheriff's Department, whose deputies were the target of the investigation."
PREVIOUS COVERAGE:
