Wrongful death lawsuit filed against Roosevelt County's detention center

PORTALES — A wrongful death lawsuit has been filed on behalf of a man who committed suicide in November at the Roosevelt County Adult Detention Center.

A lawsuit filed by Portales attorney Eric Dixon contends the Nov. 11 death of Eric Padilla, 37, of Raton, could have been prevented had he received timely medical attention for diabetes and depression.

The suit, which seeks unspecified financial damages, also names jail medical provider Wellpath and RCADC Administrator Justin Porter, Lt. Mathew Vigil, Detention Officer Jesus Lavelle in their individual capacities.

The lawsuit also contends the facility was understaffed, leading to inadequate observation of Padilla, and that Padilla was targeted for abuse by other detainees.

According to an in-custody report from the jail, which The News obtained in November, Padilla was found unresponsive in his cell and had hung himself from his bunk with a pair of socks.

Padilla was booked into the facility March 18, 2020, on failure to comply with conditions of release on four counts of aggravated battery and two counts of aggravated stalking.

Roosevelt County Manager Amber Hamilton said she had not seen the filing, and that it is county policy to not comment on pending litigation.