$1 million settlement reached in El Paso County jail death
(EL PASO COUNTY, Colo.) — The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office (EPSO) said a settlement has been reached between the county, the Sheriff’s Office, and the family of a woman who died in custody at the El Paso County Jail in 2022.
Dezaree Archuleta died at the El Paso County Jail after being found unresponsive in her jail cell on June 9, 2022. EPSO said deputies, jail medical staff, first responders with AMR, and the Colorado Springs Fire Department attempted lifesaving medical efforts but Archuleta ultimately died.
The El Paso County Coroner ruled her death a suicide as a result of asphyxiation. Archuleta’s death was one of eight at the jail that year, but the only one that was determined to be suicide.
In a press release on Feb. 6, 2024, EPSO announced a settlement with Archuleta’s estate for the amount of $1 million. El Paso County and Berkley Public Entity/Gemini Insurance Company, El Paso County’s excess insurance carrier, will each pay $500,000.
Cassandra Sebastian, the Public Information Officer for EPSO, provided a statement:
“The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office would like to extend our condolences to the family and friends of Ms. Archuleta. It is our hope this settlement allows the family to further heal from this loss.”
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