A Colorado Federal Jury Awards a Convicted Murderer $6 Million on Claims of Being Beaten by a Guard

In Denver, Colorado, on March 7, 2018, a federal jury reached a verdict in a case alleging sadistic and malicious treatment by a prison guard. The accuser in the case is a convicted murderer serving a life sentence, and the jury awarded the 36-year-old $6 million. Compensatory damages came to $5 million and punitive damages were awarded in the amount of $1 million. This is the largest amount ever awarded in a verdict rendered on behalf of a prisoner in Colorado’s history.

The former prison guard accused of beating the complainant is a defendant in the case. The guard claims that he was attempting to assist the prisoner in getting needed medical help. He is no longer employed with the Department of Corrections.

The Colorado Attorney General released a statement saying the state could appeal but is considering all options. In the meantime, it is highly unlikely the prisoner will see any of the $6 million since the state is immune from money damages, per the 11^th Amendment.

The prisoner has had to use a wheelchair since the alleged prison beating, which occurred on March 7, 2013, at the Sterling Correctional Facility. The prisoner says that he was having an epileptic seizure when the prison guard allegedly slammed his head on the concrete floor. In 2013, his accusations against the guard were considered by the Colorado Department of Corrections, which found that the complaint was not viable.

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Written By: smchugh

smchugh