Darryl Thompson
Darryl Thompson, 15, was remembered by friends as playful and fond of hip-hop, with a wide circle of friends, and his mother said he had been named student of the month and was looking forward to coming home in January 2007. He was held at the Tryon Boys Residential Center, a juvenile facility in Johnstown, New York, where, according to Fulton County District Attorney Louise K. Sira, staff restrained him face down, and he stopped breathing minutes later and died at a hospital. The medical examiner ruled the death a homicide, citing an irregular heartbeat caused by the altercation, and a grand jury is reviewing the case. The workers' lawyer said they did what they were trained to do, while his mother disputes that account and wants those responsible held accountable.
Cause of death, as reported: Killed by staff (disputed). The medical examiner ruled the death a homicide from an irregular heartbeat caused by the altercation, per Fulton County District Attorney Louise K. Sira; his mother disputes the account and wants those responsible held accountable, and the workers' lawyer says they followed their training.
Reported by: Fulton County District Attorney Louise K. Sira; Medical examiner (medical examiner or coroner); Workers' lawyer (family or their lawyers); Darryl Thompson's mother (family or their lawyers).