Charles Peterson
Charlie Peterson, 78, was held at the Weld County Jail in Colorado in March 2020 and released on March 30. The Rock Found re-entry center in Greeley, where he had been living, called him a friend and family member. He was admitted to a hospital on the day of his release and died there on April 1; his death certificate, filed by the Weld County Coroner, lists COVID-19 as the cause. The ACLU of Colorado says he was likely released because he was very sick, and family and friends said he was ill when he left the jail. The sheriff's office said he was not tested because he was not overtly symptomatic and has declined to comment on his case.
Cause of death, as reported: Died of illness (neglect alleged). The Weld County Coroner's death certificate lists COVID-19 as the cause, fellow inmates said staff were alerted when he declined but he stayed in general population, and the ACLU of Colorado says he was released because of his illness.
Reported by: Weld County Coroner's Office (medical examiner or coroner); ACLU of Colorado (federal lawsuit) (family or their lawyers); Cheryl Cook, Rock Found center (advocates); Reuters (reporters).
Lawsuit: The ACLU of Colorado filed a federal lawsuit over conditions at the Weld County Jail during the COVID-19 pandemic, and it reports no dollar amount.