In a terrible case in Iowa, three men, identified as 23-year-old Azane B., 26-year-old Pierre B., and 30-year-old Christian B., were arrested and charged with the death of their youngest sibling, 18-year-old Ezekiel B., whose body was discovered under awful conditions. The young man’s death, caused by malnutrition and dehydration while physically confined, has raised major concerns about mental health crises and how they are handled within families.
On November 9, 2024, Ezekiel’s lifeless body was discovered in the home he shared with his brothers—Azane, Pierre, and Christian—in a state of decay. Days after Ezekiel’s death, the brothers reported it to local police, who responded to the scene. A disturbing series of events leading up to Ezekiel’s death was discovered during the investigation, according to reports in the local media. The investigation indicated that Ezekiel, who suffers from schizophrenia, had a serious episode on November 3, during which he acted erratically and posed a threat to his family and neighbors.
The family told the authorities that in the days leading up to his deadly episode, Ezekiel had become increasingly agitated, claiming to hear voices and hallucinations. On the night of the event, he allegedly fled his room and threatened the neighbors, forcing his brothers to take severe action. His siblings, believing they were acting for his safety, tied him to his bed to prevent additional occurrences.
However, the situation quickly deteriorated from there. Reports state that they denied Ezekiel food and drink while chained down. Ezekiel’s uncontrollable resistance and aggressiveness met attempts to hydrate him. According to the brothers’ police statements, Ezekiel made noises and strained with his ties on November 5 and 6. By the night of November 6, Ezekiel had stopped breathing, although his brothers claimed his heart continued to beat until November 7. By November 8, his body had begun to display signs of death, such as swelling and an odor, but it was not reported to authorities until November 9.
The autopsy results showed that the physical restrictions, coupled with malnutrition and dehydration, caused Ezekiel’s death. Police arrested all three brothers on March 28 and charged them with involuntary manslaughter, assault causing serious harm, and forced detention. Azane, Pierre, and Christian are currently jailed without bond at the Linn County Jail. The horrifying example has highlighted not only the serious effects of mishandling mental health crises but also the crucial importance of effective care and assistance in such situations.
The town and the victim’s family are still suffering from the tragedy, with many wondering how a cry for help and a greater understanding of mental health could have prevented this disaster. As the judicial proceedings go, more information is expected to emerge, potentially casting more light on the circumstances that led to such a tragic end.
