For Immediate Release

Contact: Caroline Picker, Puente, media@puenteaz.org, 510-501-7276

Wednesday, June 17

Puente has obtained the autopsy report of Jose de Jesus Deniz-Sahagun, whose death in the Eloy Detention Center on May 20, 2015, has incited protests inside and outside of detention and a congressional call for a Department of Justice investigation.

The report deems Deniz-Sahagun’s death a suicide, but advocates are calling for a second review of the findings, and public release of footage from his cell cited in the report. In particular, questions remaind about the trauma reported to his head, as well as an over 30 minutes response time for emergency medical services, despite the fact that Jose de Jesus was reportedly being checked every 15 minutes for suicide watch.

Francisca Porchas from Puente, says, “We mourn the death of Jose de Jesus and will continue to demand justice for him, others who have died in Eloy, and all those subjected to the ongoing abuse, neglect, and terror that happens there. Recently, the murders of black and brown people because of law enforcement that have happened on our streets have made national news. Is it any stretch to believe they are also killing our people, via direct assault or medical neglect, behind the walls and bars of detention facilities? ”

The autopsy report is available below

Interviews available upon request.

###