Treatment Abuse, Behavior Modification, Thought Reform > Public Sector Gulags
The world will never know how Eric Perez died
Ursus:
Video news footage at the title link:
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NEWS CHANNEL 5 — WPTV
Family of dead juvenile inmate encouraged by state action at juvenile facility
6 staffers put on leave after 18-year-old dies
Posted: 07/14/2011
By: Evan Axelbank
Copyright 2011 · Scripps Media, Inc.
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - Maritza Perez looked into her son's casket and made one last promise.
"I told him that I'm not going to rest until they make those who did what they did to him to pay for what they did to him," said Perez.
The Department of Juvenile Justice confirms they're beginning an investigation into the death of 18-year-old Eric Perez.
On Tuesday, the six juvenile detention staffers who were responsible for the teen's care were put on administrative leave.
It's a common step during investigations surrounding a death, and the department stresses it isn't a sign of wrongdoing.
However, the family took the move as a positive sign that answers will be forthcoming.
"Oh, that's good. That's good. I can see that they're trying to do something. Absolutely, that's good, yeah," said Perez.
The family says detention center officials told them that Eric had an enlarged heart, bleeding on the brain, and shortness of breath.
However, they say they weren't aware of any of those conditions.
The DJJ also said in a statement that it is "committed to working with our communities and partners in the legislature to ensure that quality management of medical services is provided to children in our care."
But his mother, Maritza, is still haunted by the last time they spoke by phone, less than 24 hours before he was found dead.
"I noticed in his voice that he was kind of down, depressed, that something was going on. I kept saying 'Eric (what) is wrong, tell me.' A mother knows when there's something wrong with their kid. And he didn't want to tell me."
Eric, who as serving time for a parole violation, was supposed to be released on Tuesday.
For his family, the suspicion that there's something more to his death than "natural causes," has been hardest to live with.
"For him to be laying in a coffin today is unacceptable."
There are two investigations going on: One by the inspector general of the Department of Juvenile Justice and the other by the West Palm Beach police.
There's no word on how long either of the investigations might take.
Copyright 2011 Scripps Media, Inc.
Ursus:
Comments left for the above article, "Family of dead juvenile inmate encouraged by state action at juvenile facility" (by Evan Axelbank; July 14, 2011; News Channel 5 - WPTV):
Ruth Prock · Last Week
It is possible those symptoms were linked to drug use. I hope this is an ACTUAL and FACTUAL investigation for the family. They have the right to the truth, however ugly it might be.Robert Hemlak · Last Week
It's about time someone investigated the absence of medical care in the juvenile or adult facilities in P.B.Co.Virginia Saltelli · Last Week
I am a friend of the family, and just for the record....Eric was not on parole...He was on probation. He was never in prison, this was a juvenille incident. Please clarify with the public. Thank you. Eric was just a troubled teen, who honestly was a good boy. The night he went back to DJJ he was on his bike without a light, and was stopped by the police. When they ran his name, they found he was in violation of his probation for not showing up, to court.
Copyright 2011 Scripps Media, Inc.
Ursus:
A Letter from a member of the family ... apparently or possibly sent to the Editor of the Sebastian Sun, but archived on the website of TCPalm:
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TCPALM · FLORIDA"S TREASURE COAST AND PALM BEACHES
Letter: We cannot understand the death of Eric Perez in detention
Carlos Perez, Port St. Lucie
Friday, July 15, 2011
Letter: We cannot understand the death of Eric Perez in detention
What caused the death of Eric Perez in West Palm Beach Detention Center? He was found Sunday unreponsive in his cell, but officials did not notice the boy was gone until lunch time. Officials also told us he slept alone in his cell. He was a healthy 17-year-old, this does not make any sense to us.
© 2011 Scripps Newspaper Group
Ursus:
abc25 - WPBF
6 On Paid Leave After Death Of Inmate At Juvenile Facility
West Palm Beach Police, Department Of Juvenile Justice Investigating Death
POSTED: 12:58 pm EDT July 15, 2011
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- Six employees at a juvenile detention center in West Palm Beach have been placed on paid administrative leave after the death of an inmate, the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice announced Thursday.
The suspensions come after a male inmate died Sunday at the Palm Beach Regional Juvenile Detention Center.
"We offer our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones," said Department of Juvenile Justice Secretary Wansley Walters.
Officials with the Department of Juvenile Justice are investigating to determine whether policies and procedures were followed. West Palm Beach police are also investigating.
Police haven't said how the inmate died.
Copyright 2011 by WPBF.com.
Ursus:
Comment left for the above article, "6 On Paid Leave After Death Of Inmate At Juvenile Facility" (July 15, 2011; ABC News 25 - WPBF):
nola · Jul. 15, 2011 3:10pm EST
I am almost positive I read the other day that the kid died from huffing poop gas (jenkem) and the family back it up with saying he didn’t have Asthma or any other respiratory issues
Copyright 2011 by WPBF.com.
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