Losing a Loved One in Custody: A Father’s Painful Story
A Father’s Loss and Devastation
When the families of four inmates who recently died after being booked in the Broward County jail shared their painful stories, one father among them knew what they were feeling. David Rugani’s son, Sonny, was only 17 years old when he died by suicide in his cell in the main jail in 2019.
A Life of Troubles and Hopes
Sonny was a strong athlete and had high hopes for his future. However, he struggled with social media, drugs, and was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. He got agitated easily and had a history of run-ins with the law. Despite this, his family loved him dearly and was trying to support him through his struggles.
A Tragic Turn of Events
Sonny’s troubles escalated, and he was caught stealing a backpack from a car that contained a gun. The Broward State Attorney charged him as an adult, and the sheriff moved him to the main jail. Despite being warned that Sonny had suicidal tendencies, he was removed from suicide watch in less than two days. Two months in custody, Sonny had had enough.
The Devastating News
Denise, Sonny’s mother, received a call from the sheriff’s office, and David recalled, "She was crying, beside herself, and she said, ‘Sonny hung himself.’" This was September 2019, the first of what would be 21 in-custody deaths of Broward inmates, some natural, some overdoses, and many, like Sonny’s, suicide.
A Lawsuit and Settlement
David Rugani and his family filed a lawsuit against the sheriff and the jail medical provider, reaching a confidential settlement last summer. "Who failed him is the Broward County jail and its system," said Attorney Jay Cohen. "They failed in the protocols. They failed in the standards. They failed in the surveillance and monitoring."
A Father’s Plea
David Rugani hoped the sheriff’s office would have learned its lesson. However, when he saw the news of four recent inmate deaths, he felt the pain and devastation all over again. "The only thing I can tell these people is I feel for them. Pursue this. Try to make changes to the system as best we can," he said. "I don’t want any father having to go see your son like that … You should never bury your son."
Conclusion
The tragic story of Sonny Rugani is a reminder of the importance of proper care and attention in our correctional systems. It is crucial that we learn from the mistakes of the past and work towards creating a safer and more humane environment for those in our care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many inmates have died in the Broward County jail?
A: According to the Broward Public Defender, there have been 21 in-custody deaths of Broward inmates, including Sonny Rugani.
Q: What were the causes of these deaths?
A: Some were natural, some were overdoses, and many were suicide.
Q: What happened to Sonny Rugani?
A: Sonny was moved to the main jail after being charged as an adult for stealing a backpack from a car. He was removed from suicide watch in less than two days and took his own life two months later.
Q: What is the current status of the lawsuit filed by the Rugani family?
A: The family reached a confidential settlement with the sheriff and the jail medical provider last summer.
