'He Didn't Have To Die!' Tinder Attacker's Dad Claims 'Gentle' Son Should Not Have Been Tased 6 Times
Dec. 31 2018, Published 2:40 p.m. ET
Erich Stelzer may have stabbed his Tinder date in a horrific rampage, but he didn't have to die, the YouTube star's father told RadarOnline.com in an exclusive interview.
The bodybuilder's grieving father Harry Stelzer claimed police used excessive force on his 25-year-old son, who was tased in his Massachusetts home following his December 27 assault on Maegan Taply.
"He shouldn't have died," Harry insisted. "He was tased six times. Six times!"
"The police are protecting themselves and that's what they do. We understand that. But my son was in there alive, and 15 minutes later, he was dead."
After the tasing, Erich became unresponsive and died en route to the hospital. However, his 24-year-old victim survived the attack.
Though Harry is devastated over the loss of his son, he says is "glad" Maegan is recovering.
"I'm glad she's home. I'm glad she's safe,' he said.
According to a family attorney, Erich's loved ones tried to get him help for paranoia and delusions before his death.
I know my son, and I knew he was having trouble. We tried a lot of things," Harry added.
"But I know him...He is not an evil kid."
"He was a 6'4" gentle giant, non-confrontational. He would walk out of places. He would walk away from confrontation."
Despite what he may have done, Harry said he stands by his late son.
"Even if he was Charles Manson, I would protect him," he insisted. "I mean he is my son and that's what you're supposed to do.
An autopsy for Erich is underway, and the death is under investigation.
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