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Cumberland County Inmate Charged With Homicide in Fatal Beating of Sleeping Cellmate

Prosecutors say Dangelo Nowlin attacked Erick Gainer moments after entering the cell, with a preliminary hearing set for Nov. 5.

Overview

  • Authorities identified the suspect as Dangelo Nowlin, 33, of Yuba City, California, and the victim as Erick Gainer, 41.
  • Investigators say Nowlin entered the C Block cell around 11:50 a.m., threw Gainer from a top bunk, then punched and kicked him as other inmates reported cries for help.
  • Jail video captured the assault, and officers observed swelling and a cut on Nowlin’s right hand consistent with striking a hard surface.
  • Gainer underwent emergency surgery for brain swelling at Holy Spirit Hospital and died around 6:30 p.m. Thursday.
  • Nowlin was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge David J. Rogers, denied bail, and scheduled for a Nov. 5 preliminary hearing; he had been arrested earlier that day for defiant trespass at a truck stop where he was also cited for harassment.