Eric Perez
Eric Perez, a teenager, died in 2017 while held at the Palm Beach Regional Juvenile Detention Center in South Florida. A grand jury found several deficiencies at the facility that endangered the young people held there, but concluded that no existing statute allowed criminal charges against staff. The Florida Department of Juvenile Justice fired six employees after his death. State attorney Michael McAuliffe said Perez was ignored to death.
Cause of death, as reported: Died from neglect by staff. State attorney Michael McAuliffe says staff ignored Perez until he died, and a grand jury found deficiencies at the facility but concluded no statute allowed criminal charges against staff.
Reported by: State attorney Michael McAuliffe (outside investigators); Palm Beach County grand jury (court).