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OPA-LOCKA FACES TRIAL FOR SAVAGE BEATING OF MENTALLY ILL TEENAGER INSIDE HIS HOME
Citing the savage beating of Jafet Castro, “a teenager suffering from mental illness,” by Opa-Locka police officers, U.S. District Judge Kathleen M. Williams denied the City’s request to dismiss the case. The police officer defendants named in the lawsuit include German Bosque, who has an extensive and controversial record as a police officer, and Sergio Perez, who was criminally charged by the State Attorney’s Office for the unprovoked attack and beating of Mr. Castro. Judge Williams’ Order is attached. DE90.Order.Motions to Dismiss
“After watching this graphic video of these officers punching a mentally challenged young man in the face while he is helpless and then dragging him down the stairs by his feet, a jury will be outraged and hold Opa-Locka responsible. No one is safe in our community when police officers act as if they are entitled to use excessive force and beat and injure defenseless citizens at will.” Said Castro’s lawyers Ben Kuehne and Michael Pizzi. Castro is also represented by Johan Dos Santos.
The police misconduct was captured on video, showing Opa-Locka police officers beating and repeatedly stun-gunning the defenseless teen who was tied up and dragged down a flight of stairs by his feet while his head hit the stairs. According to the lawsuit, the “outrageous case of excessive force and Civil Rights violations” is part of a pattern and practice of Opa-Locka police misbehavior, with Officer Perez having previously used his stun gun on a fellow police officer. Officers Perez and Bosque have a history of being fired and disciplined as police officers for excessive force.