Father beaten to death in jail hours after booking
A tragic incident has rocked the community of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, where a 41-year-old father, Erick Gainer, died just hours after being booked into jail for a DUI-related sentence. According to court documents, Gainer had been sentenced on October 21 and booked into the county jail on October 23 to serve a 90-day term.
Witnesses say that shortly after he arrived, Gainer’s cellmate, 33-year-old Dangelo Nowlin, allegedly attacked him while he was asleep. The affidavit of probable cause states that Nowlin is accused of throwing Gainer off the top bunk and repeatedly punching and kicking him while he was defenseless.
Gainer was rushed to hospital following the attack, underwent emergency surgery, and died on October 24 from his injuries. His family described him as a gentle, caring father who would tell “dorky dad jokes” and lift the spirits of everyone around him. His brother, Lonnie Gainer, called the killing “cold-blooded murder.”
The incident has raised serious questions about jail safety, inmate monitoring and how such a violent assault could occur within hours of being admitted. Officials from Cumberland County have stated the case is under investigation. Meanwhile, Nowlin has been charged with criminal homicide and remains in custody.
