Articles
“William Kerkes, the Deputy County attorney representing the parties the claim was presented to, called News 11 back. He has declined to comment at this time.
News 11 has obtained video surveillance of the day that a Yuma County Adult Detention Center inmate died.
Jorden Stevens, a member of the Cocopah Indian Tribe, died while in the care of the YCSO Adult Detention Center February 15, 2017, and his death was ruled a homicide by the Pima County Forensic Science Center in October 2017.
Cornelius “Candy” Camarena is representing Winona Stevens, Jorden Stevens’ mother in a wrongful death claim that was presented to Yuma County Sheriff’s Office, Yuma County Jail District, Yuma County and Yuma City.
Camarena said he has been advised that the claim will be declined by William Kerekes, Deputy Yuma County attorney.”
– KMYA, Claims of excessive force after inmate death at Yuma County Jail.
“Native American Jorden Stevens, a member of the Cocopah Indian Tribe, died on February 15, 2017, while in the custody of the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO) Adult Detention Center. Even though his death was ruled a homicide, not a single corrections officer has been charged with his murder.
The Yuma County Sheriff’s Office conducted an internal investigation but the details of their findings have not yet been made public. Now, Stevens’ family—after more than a year of not getting any answers and having only the Sheriff’s Office to blame—is planning on filing a lawsuit again the department for the death of their loved one.
Stevens was arrested for “disorderly conduct” and was taken to jail, but as he was leaving, a dispute between the 29-year-old and officers led to an escalation of force involving at least 10 YCSO officers. In newly released video footage of the attack, which lasted over 10 minutes, a gaggle of officers can be seen appearing to kick and punch Stevens, who reportedly suffered a traumatic brain injury possibly leading to his death.
According to the claim filed by Stevens’ family, the young man suffered red marks associated with taser burns, as well as bruises, abrasions and blunt force trauma from a closed fist. Cornelius “Candy” Camarena is representing Winona Stevens, Jorden Stevens’ mother in a wrongful death lawsuit against YCSO. Camarena said that Jordan Stevens was being discharged and released from the jail when the incident occurred.”
– Blacklisted News, TEN COPS BEAT NATIVE AMERICAN TO DEATH ON VIDEO, HIS DEATH RULED A HOMICIDE, NO ONE CHARGED.
Download
Download the 18″x24″ poster (.pdf), Indian Country 52 #30 – Yuma Homicide 10.
Close Ups
Indian Country 52
Indian Country 52 is a weekly project by David Bernie that uses the medium of posters that promote issues and stories in Indian Country.
Creative Commons License
This work by David Bernie is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. You may download, share, and post the images under the condition that the works are attributed to the artist.
