Justice for Hardel Sherrell: Six Years Later, Still Waiting

A mother’s relentless fight for justice after the tragic loss of her only son, Hardel Sherrell, who died in custody at Beltrami County Jail. Six years have passed, but the fight for accountability and change continues.

On September 2nd, we remember the tragic loss of Hardel Sherrell, a beloved son and father to three beautiful girls who now have to grow up without their father. Hardel was taken from us far too soon while in custody at the Beltrami County Jail in Bemidji, MN. It has been six years since Hardel’s senseless death, and yet justice remains out of reach.

As a mother who lost her only child to neglect and maltreatment in the very place meant to uphold justice, my heart remains shattered. The pain of losing a child is unimaginable, but to lose one in such a preventable way adds an unbearable weight that I carry every day.

Be Their Voices was born from this grief, fueled by the need to ensure that no other family suffers this pain. We are here to give a voice to those who can no longer speak for themselves, to fight for justice for those neglected, abused, and mistreated while in custody.

But the fight is far from over. Six years later, we still have not received the justice Hardel deserves. We continue to demand accountability for those responsible for his death and to advocate for systemic changes that protect the rights and lives of those incarcerated.

Take Action

We need your support now more than ever. If you stand with us, we ask you to take action today. Please write a letter to your local Representative, urging them to support the Hardel Sherrell Act and ensure it receives a hearing in the next legislative session. It’s crucial that our elected officials make the necessary amendments we proposed last session to protect the lives of those incarcerated.

In addition, we ask you to call or write to the Office of Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison and demand that criminal charges be brought against those responsible for Hardel’s death. Our family needs to begin the process of grieving and find some semblance of closure. Your voice can help us achieve the justice Hardel deserves.

Contact Information:

Office of Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison

445 Minnesota Street, Suite 1400
St. Paul, MN 55101-2131
Tel: (651) 296-3353 (Twin Cities Calling Area)
Tel: (800) 657-3787 (Outside the Twin Cities)

Thank you for standing with us in this fight.