Jan 18, 2022

Prosecutor: No charges in Kansas teen’s custody death

Posted Jan 18, 2022 8:30 PM
Sedgwick County District Attorney Marc Bennett during Tuesday's press conference
Sedgwick County District Attorney Marc Bennett during Tuesday's press conference

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas prosecutor says he can't file charges over the death of a 17-year-old who became unresponsive while being restrained after an altercation with staff at a Wichita juvenile center in September.

From the final report of the District Attorney
From the final report of the District Attorney

Sedgwick County District Attorney Marc Bennett made the announcement in a Tuesday news conference.

Cedric Lofton died at a hospital two days after the altercation at the Sedgwick County Juvenile Intake and Assessment Center.

A December autopsy report contradicted an earlier, preliminary finding that the teenager hadn’t suffered life-threatening injuries. The autopsy ruled the death a homicide. Bennett says he state’s “stand your ground” law prevents him from bringing any charges.