The family of a 23-year-old man from metro Atlanta is seeking answers following his death during a violent incident at a mental health treatment facility in Minneapolis. Bryce Hayes, a graduate of Grayson High School who was autistic, died on Monday after being attacked at The Nancy Page Crisis Residential Center. Police reports indicate that Dereck Duane Faulkner entered the facility and used a fork and fire extinguisher chemicals to assault residents. Hayes sustained life-threatening injuries and later passed away; four other patients were also injured in the attack.
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During a press conference on Friday, Hayes' family expressed their grief and outrage over the incident. They described him as a gentle, respectful individual who had recently moved to Minneapolis to pursue independent living. Family members asserted, "There is nothing he could have done to deserve this. He is the most gentle person, respectful... he would not hurt a fly."
At the time of the attack, Faulkner was out on bond following prior incidents, including an attempted murder charge for allegedly shooting a co-worker and another charge for assaulting emergency room employees at a hospital. The family's attorney, L. Chris Stewart, raised concerns regarding the safety protocols and staffing levels at the crisis center, questioning why non-violent patients were housed alongside individuals known for violent behavior. He emphasized that staffing adequacy is crucial for monitoring all residents effectively.
Hayes' father described the aftermath of the attack as horrific, stating, "This was a very gory, horrific incident... It is not easy to walk through what happened room to room, nor is it easy to talk about the physical condition of my son after his attack."
The family hopes that law enforcement and state officials will hold the facility accountable and uncover the truth behind the incident. In the wake of the attack, the center has not disclosed specific information about staffing levels during the event or clarified Faulkner's admission despite his violent history.
Faulkner is currently facing murder charges and additional assault counts related to the injuries suffered by the four other patients. The legal proceedings are ongoing as attorneys for the Hayes family continue to investigate the facility's safety measures and intake procedures.