Raul Gallegos-Reyes
Raul Gallegos-Reyes, 34, died on August 17, 2006, while held at the Arapahoe County Jail in Colorado. His common-law wife of 17 years, Gloria Silva, was the person closest to him, and he was described as high-strung and nervous on the day he died. According to investigative reports, deputies restrained him in a cell and then in a restraint chair, used repeated Taser shocks, and placed a netted mask over his face, and deputies pushed down on him. Coroner Michael Dobersen ruled the death a homicide from positional asphyxiation, while the district attorney found that no crime was committed and no one at the jail has been disciplined.
Cause of death, as reported: Killed by staff (disputed). Arapahoe County Coroner Michael Dobersen ruled the death a homicide from positional asphyxiation, while the district attorney found no crime was committed.
Reported by: Arapahoe County Coroner Michael Dobersen (medical examiner or coroner); Arapahoe County District Attorney (outside investigators); Investigative reports (reporters).