Nicholas Gulley Dies After Alleged Jail Abuse and Medical Neglect, Family Seeks Justice Against Henry County Sheriff

 The Indianapolis community is grappling with grief and anger following the death of Nicholas Gulley, who passed away Friday after being taken off life support at Ascension St. Vincent Indianapolis Hospital. Surrounded by family, Gulley’s final moments were marked by sorrow and a plea for justice from his mother, Amanada Bellenger, who described feeling “lost, overwhelmed, devastated” at the loss of her son. For the family, his death is not only a personal tragedy but a catalyst for seeking accountability and answers regarding his treatment while in custody.

Gulley, 26, had been arrested in January on trespassing charges and was being held at the Henry County Jail in New Castle. On February 4, he was airlifted to the hospital after reportedly experiencing medical distress. Bellenger alleges that her son suffered excessive force by sheriff’s deputies during an altercation in custody and did not receive adequate medical attention afterward. She emphasized that, despite his past legal troubles and prior drug charges, Nicholas had “a big heart” and deserved proper care and dignity while detained.

Attorney Mark Nicholson has been retained by the Gulley family to file a tort claim against Henry County Sheriff John Sproles and deputies. The claim alleges “abuse and/or medical neglect while in custody” and, preliminarily, seeks $700,000 in damages. The lawsuit asserts that the alleged mistreatment and delayed medical care contributed to Gulley’s death, which has sparked community concern about inmate safety and the protocols used in county jails.

Video footage released by the Henry County Sheriff’s Office shows Gulley being restrained by deputies inside a jail cell, pinned to the ground, and removed from the cell. Sheriff Sproles stated that this was the only physical altercation Gulley experienced while in custody and asserted that he never denied medical assistance. According to Sproles, an X-ray showed no fractures, and Gulley reported breathing difficulties later, which prompted his hospital transfer. The sheriff maintains that one of Gulley’s preexisting medical conditions may have caused his death rather than any alleged misconduct by officers.

At the hospital, Gulley was diagnosed with multiple serious conditions, including double pneumonia, a blood infection, an infection in his heart, and shingles. These complications, his family and attorney contend, could have been mitigated or prevented with timely and proper medical attention while in custody. The case has highlighted ongoing debates about the treatment of incarcerated individuals, transparency in law enforcement, and the responsibilities of county jails to provide adequate healthcare to detainees.

As the legal process moves forward, the community and Gulley’s family are calling for accountability, justice, and reform. While the sheriff insists that officers acted appropriately, the tort claim represents a critical step toward addressing the family’s grievances and shedding light on the circumstances surrounding Nicholas Gulley’s death. For his loved ones, this tragedy underscores both the fragility of life and the need for systemic safeguards to ensure that all individuals in custody are treated humanely and receive essential medical care.