Seven deputies from the Henrico County Sheriff’s Office in Virginia have been charged with second-degree murder after the death of a 28-year-old man, Ivo Otiano, in custody at a mental health facility.
The incident, which occurred on March 6th, involved the use of force by seven deputies and three hospital employees while restraining Otiano during intake at the facility.
Video footage of the incident has since been released, showing Otiano being mistreated and physically assaulted.
The family of the victim has called for justice and for the deputies to be put away for life.
Three staffers at the mental health facility have also been arrested on second-degree murder charges.
Prosecutors have stated that the deputies’ potential defense may be based on ongoing issues with Otiano’s disorderly conduct, aggression, and resistance.
However, Otiano’s family argues that what he needed was help, not mistreatment.
The deputies turned themselves in and are currently being held without bond at a regional jail.
