A 69-year-old man, Michael Burch, died tragically in a rural Colorado jail after suffering from broken ribs during an incident with a deputy. The event, which occurred in March 2023, resulted in Burch being left without medical attention for a week, leading to his suffocation, according to a recent lawsuit filed by his family.
The Colorado State investigation deemed Burch’s death a homicide; however, local prosecutors opted not to file criminal charges against the deputy involved, citing self-defense as a possible justification for the use of force.
An autopsy revealed six broken ribs and a collapsed lung, injuries sustained during the altercation. Instead of being taken to a hospital, Burch was moved to another cell, where he was subsequently found dead seven days later.
Legal representatives for Burch’s estate highlighted the severity of his condition, stating that the pain caused by his shattered ribs rendered him unable to breathe properly, ultimately leading to the failure of his right lung.
The lawsuit identifies multiple defendants, including county commissioners, the sheriff’s office, medical personnel, and the healthcare provider contracted by the jail, accusing them of neglecting Burch’s injuries and violating his constitutional rights.
An attorney representing the county and sheriff’s office declined to comment, while a spokesperson for the healthcare provider emphasized their intent to defend against the claims in court.
Burch’s family’s lawyers expressed concern over the lack of disciplinary action regarding the incident, which unfolded after Burch allegedly displayed erratic behavior prior to his arrest.
During the incident, Burch was tackled by a deputy after reportedly refusing to drop a pencil that had been provided for note-taking. Body camera footage captures the tense moments leading up to his arrest, including a warning offered by the deputy before using a Taser. The altercation resulted in Burch being slammed against a steel bench, incurring critical injuries.
Additionally, the lawsuit states that Burch’s mental health was not assessed upon his arrival at the jail, despite indicators of his deteriorating condition. Witnesses reported that medical personnel failed to conduct a thorough evaluation, even after he voiced his need for hospitalization.
Days after the altercation, Burch was discovered deceased on his cell floor. His family is seeking justice and accountability for what they describe as a tragic and preventable loss.
