Eric
Eric was 18 when he died in July 2011 at the Palm Beach County Regional Juvenile Detention Center in Florida. The medical examiner said he died of a cerebral hemorrhage. His parents, Maritza Perez and Placido Ventura, and their attorney, John Caracuzzo, say detention officers dropped him on his head and did not call 911 or get him medical help for hours. A grand jury found that officers ignored his need for medical help. His mother said she misses him a lot and does not want other children to suffer as he did, and the parents said they will sue the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice.
Cause of death, as reported: Died of illness (disputed; neglect alleged). The medical examiner attributed the death to a cerebral hemorrhage, while his parents and attorney John Caracuzzo say detention officers dropped him on his head and waited hours before calling 911 or getting him medical help, and a grand jury faulted officers for ignoring his need for medical help.
Reported by: medical examiner or coroner; grand jury; parents Maritza Perez and Placido Ventura (family or their lawyers); attorney John Caracuzzo (family or their lawyers).