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Our mission is to reverse the trend of mass incarceration in Colorado. We are a coalition of nearly 7,000 individual members and over 100 faith and community organizations who have united to stop perpetual prison expansion in Colorado through policy and sentence reform.

Our chief areas of interest include drug policy reform, women in prison, racial injustice, the impact of incarceration on children and families, the problems associated with re-entry and stopping the practice of using private prisons in our state.

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Thursday, June 18, 2009

Juvenile Found Dead In Pueblo County Jail

Why do we have children in adult jails?
Pueblo Chieftain

PUEBLO, COLO. -- Updated at 4:40 p.m

Sheriff Kirk M. Taylor has issued a statement in the death of a juvenile inmate who was found dead Monday night at the Pueblo County Detention Center:

“As you are aware, there was a senseless tragedy that occurred last night at the Pueblo County Detention Facility. Unfortunately, a young man’s life ended tragically and by all preliminary indications by his own hand. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Robert Borrego Jr. I believe that in some ways the entire criminal justice system has failed Mr. Borrego as well as many others like him across the nation. Unfortunately, all of the systems and protocols that we put in place cannot protect someone who is determined to harm themselves.

"I have been in constant contact with Undersheriff Hall and my staff in regard to this matter and I assure you, that every aspect of this tragic death will be scrutinized. I have called upon the critical incident team of the 10th Judicial District to look into this matter in detail.

"I fully understand my duty to protect those individuals within my care. I want to publicly commend my deputies, shift supervisors and medical staff for their diligent efforts in regard to this incident. They showed true professionalism in the face of adversity. I have full faith in Undersheriff Hall and his ability to address any concerns and answer any questions that he can. Once again, I would like to express my sincere regrets to the family and friends of Mr. Borrego for their loss.”

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry for the Borrego family. Losing a child at any age is a pain so agonizing and personal.

The Borrego's deserve more than an apology. Thorough training and experience from those in charge of the jail should have stood close watch on this young one. He must have shown some signs of distress. Some are obvious, and some are unusually quiet and withdrawn. Red flags.

"I believe that in some ways the entire criminal justice system has failed Mr. Borrego as well as many others like him across the nation." - Sheriff Kirk M. Taylor -

Anonymous said...

The continuing failures by the so called criminal justice sytem will continue as long as we let those running the system continue to police themselves. Also changes will have to come thru the way those in college are being taught. the system is really out of tune with society. When i grew up we were taught to respect the police. We no longer do because of there continual bungling of simple situations. djw

Anonymous said...

The first question is why was a juvenile in jail? Was this an automatic transfer by the DA with no judicial review. It is past time to remove that option from the law.

Anonymous said...

It is gutwrenching to wake up in the morning and know our Bobby is gone. I pray the truth comes out and people look beyond what they hear in a statement and question what truly happened. Our Bobby was such a strong willed young man. It just does not make any sense that this could happen. I hope our officials have a heart, this how they would feel as a parent, and admit the truth and quit trying to cover up what happened. We love you Bobby! Rest in peace baby.