Pedro Ruiz
Pedro Ruiz, 19, died on February 1, 2020, in his cell at Cook County Jail. Prosecutors say he was beaten to death by his cellmate, who has been charged with murder. His mother has filed a wrongful-death lawsuit alleging that jail officials knew of a high likelihood of attack and housed the two men together anyway. The sheriff's office said an internal investigation is underway.
Cause of death, as reported: Killed by another person in custody (neglect alleged). Cook County prosecutors say his cellmate beat him to death; his mother's lawsuit says jail officials knew of a high likelihood of attack and housed them together anyway.
Reported by: Cook County prosecutors; his mother's wrongful-death lawsuit (family or their lawyers).
Lawsuit: His mother filed a wrongful-death lawsuit alleging jail officials knew of a high likelihood of attack and housed him with his cellmate anyway, and no settlement or award amount is reported.