Eric Perez
Eric Perez was 18 when he died on July 10, 2011, while held at the Palm Beach Regional Juvenile Detention Center in West Palm Beach, Florida. His mother, Maritza Perez, said he made mistakes but did not deserve to lose his life, and she said she wanted answers so other children would not go through the same thing. The family's attorneys say he complained of headaches and vomiting for hours and was left alone in a holding room while staff did not call 911 or get him medical help. A state Inspector General report found that guards and supervisors failed to act, and the medical examiner said he died of a cerebral hemorrhage. A fired guard's attorneys say he wanted to call 911 but was ordered not to, and the state says nine employees were fired after the death.
Cause of death, as reported: Died of illness (disputed; neglect alleged). The medical examiner said he died of a cerebral hemorrhage, while his parents and their attorney say officers dropped him on his head and staff did not call 911 or get him medical help for hours.
Reported by: medical examiner or coroner; Florida Department of Juvenile Justice Inspector General (outside investigators); Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (the agency that held him); grand jury; parents Maritza Perez and Placido Ventura and their attorneys (family or their lawyers).
Sources (8)
- West Palm Beach guard says he wanted to call 911 before 18-year-old died at detention facility
- Florida finance chief won’t pay for funeral of teen who died in detention
- Parents of teen who died at juvenile facility disappointed with grand jury report
- Parents of teen who died at Palm Beach County juvenile center say they'll sue DJJ
- Report: As teen lay dying, West Palm Beach guards refused to call help, believed he was faking
- State Report: S. Fla. Teen In Juvenile Center 'Neglected To Death'
- They weren’t faking: 12 young detainees who died while under Florida’s care
- Grand jury: No criminal charges for correctional staff in teen's death