Juan Huertas Cumbas: Drowned Inmate's Family Sues Puerto Rico Officials

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico -- The family of one of eight inmates who drowned last year in Puerto Rico while shackled inside a state van caught in flood waters is suing the U.S. territory's government.

The parents and three siblings of Juan Huertas Cumbas are seeking at least $1 million in damages. The lawsuit released Wednesday by the island's justice department accuses authorities of negligence.

Cumbas was scheduled to be released from prison the day he died.

Prosecutors have charged prison guard Hector Cruz Santiago with eight counts of negligent homicide.

Authorities say Cruz was driving a van carrying 10 inmates back to a prison after court hearings in November when he tried to cross a flooded area and lost control of the van.

Comments

[vcrozas]

01:26 PM on 02/16/2012

Hmmm...Guard was an idiot. Sad for these inmates and their families. Sad they were in prison. I think the amount of money should be awarded to them based upon the inmates past history and potential earning power were he to have been released from prison and lived an average lifespan.

[randinoel]

07:27 PM on 02/15/2012

atleast it didnt happen in this country lulz

[ipleathe5thh]

04:02 PM on 02/16/2012

It did happen in this country, Puerto Rico is concered America

[TAIsabel]

12:00 AM on 02/17/2012

Good grief! The ignorance displayed on this forum sometimes makes my head hurt.