Frank Valdes
Frank Valdes, 36, was held at Florida State Prison near Starke, Florida. A fellow prisoner said he had become a born-again Christian and was trying to bring other men held there to his faith. In July 1999, several men held at the prison said guards beat him in his cell, and Valdes had been the most vocal in protesting the beatings and demanding that guards stop and send for medical help. The FBI and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement opened investigations, and officers' attorneys first said his injuries were self-inflicted, a claim disputed by autopsies that reported broken ribs and other injuries to his body.
Cause of death, as reported: Killed by staff (disputed). Several inmates say guards beat Frank Valdes in his cell, and an autopsy found every rib broken and boot marks on his body, while officers' attorneys first said his injuries were self-inflicted.
Reported by: Several inmates held at Florida State Prison (witnesses); Autopsy findings (medical examiner or coroner); Officers' attorneys; Florida Department of Law Enforcement (outside investigators).