Opinion ID: 2720490
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Evidence Against Wheeler

Text: Wheeler was adjudged a juvenile ward in 1985 after attempting a robbery. While in custody, Wheeler assaulted another ward with a chair. After his release he argued with one Brian Brown, ultimately pointing a handgun at Brown‘s head for several seconds then walking away. While awaiting trial, Wheeler was found to have a four-inch shank hidden in his underwear. He pleaded guilty to possessing a weapon in jail. He twice attacked other jail inmates. One night after lockdown, Wheeler and another inmate argued over a card game. The inmate was locked in his cell and Wheeler, a trustee for the tier, was outside. Wheeler threw a bucket of water into the cell then told deputies he needed to clean up a spill. When the cell door was opened he attacked the inmate with a shank. He also swung the shank at a responding deputy, cutting his arm. He ignored repeated orders to drop his weapon until deputies threatened to use a Taser gun to subdue him. The inmate was seriously injured and required extended hospitalization.