ASPC-Yuma's young deaths in custody: Harold Batista, 21.

Harold Batista 

(March 13, 1992 - September 25, 2013)

This 21-year old ASPC-Yuma prisoner died late last month, the cause of which is still under investigation. What is going on in Yuma prison? That's at least the third young man to die of "natural causes" from Yuma prison in the past 18 months, beginning with Joseph Venegas, 28, who died in his cell from pneumonia, having not been seen once for it by medical. Then there was Jesse Cornejo, 24, who reportedly died of AIDS-related penumonia shortly after being hospitalized for it. According to Jesse's family, he didn't even know he had AIDS until he was within weeks of dying.

If anyone knows anything about Harold's life or death that will help me better narrate his story, please get in touch with me. Anything you can share with me about Harold's death, if it was suicide, homicide, an overdose, or medical negligence may help other prisoners who still have a chance to make it home alive. It may also help his family get answers the DOC won't give them. 

If you are a friend or family, you have my condolences. If I can help in any way, please don't hesitate to contact me also. My name is Peggy Plews, and I hear from a lot of families in your shoes.  My phone number is 480-580-6807. My email is arizonaprisonwatch@gmail.com. 

Deaths in Custody: Joshua Haynes

Another death under investigation -

Condolences to Joshua's loved ones.

To the rest of you guys inside: please hang in there and look out for each other...I'm sure that help is on the way, I just don't know who it will be or how they'll help, but you need to outlive your sentences, in the meantime, if you can. This fellow was only doing six years (which seems a lot for burglary...)

I'll post an update on the cause of death once I get it. If anyone knows this prisoner and can fill in the blanks so we can know him better - and find out what really happened to him - please feel free to contact me at 480-580-6807 or prisonabolitionist@gmail.com

- Peggy Plews





























UPDATE (9/28/2011): Joshua's obituary came in today from a reader. Our condolences, again, to his loved ones.


Joshua Michael Haynes

Phoenix, AZ - Joshua Michael Haynes, 38, formerly of Springfield, lost his battle with cancer on August 25, 2011...
A celebration of Josh's life is planned for a future date.

Father, son, brother, friend: losing Mando Lugo (Updated)

(Update: November 4, 2010)

Armando is now listed by the department as being a victim of homicide, having apparently been strangled in the shower. The report I received, however, detailed more about how hard the ADC staff tried to revive him (they even took a video of officers performing CPR), how "diligently" they worked to write reports on his death, and how the Criminal Investigations Unit (CIU) went about examining the scene of his death than it did his actual murder - leading me to think that they have no clue what happened.

In fact, it's unclear that the investigation has even been completed, or where it was going. The CIU report on him is basically just a bunch of BS and filler - a more thorough investigation would have been done on a K-9 dog.

I hope the Lugos sue the state for everything they can - at least enough to support his children and grandson. The man deserves better than that - as does his family. All the prisoners do.


(Original post 10/13/10)

Armando Lugo, a prisoner at ASPC-Lewis/Morey Unit in Buckeye died on March 26, 2010 after being found unresponsive in the shower area. He was 36 years old at the time of his death, and more than halfway through a prison term for burglary.

I've requested records from the AZ Department of Corrections about the cause of his death, as it's been under investigation by their Criminal Investigations Unit since March, as far as I can tell. I expect to hear back from general counsel Karyn Klausner any day now, and will post what relevant information I find as soon as I have it.

Below is Mando's obituary from the Douglas Dispatch, followed by thoughts from just a few of the many loved ones he left behind...he was clearly a dear soul to a number of people. Our condolences to all for your loss.

------------from the Douglas Dispatch------------

"Armando Lugo passed away on March 26, 2010. Armando was born in Douglas on February 17, 1974 to David and Anita Lugo. Armando attended Douglas schools and worked as a Restaurant Manager most of his life. He was preceded in death by his Step-father Mario Manuel Sosa.

Armando is survived by his father and mother, David and Anita Lugo. His son; Armando Lugo, Daughters; Jasmine Ballesteros, Jaclyn Lugo, Grandson: Hector Manuel Madrid. His Brothers; Michael, Gabriel, and Mario (Diana.) Sister Gina (Juan). "

Armando is buried at Calvary Cemetery in Douglas.

COMMENTS:

ALBERTO DOMINGUEZ wrote on Apr 9, 2010 8:08 PM:

" Armando was a great person my condolences to michael ,gina ,and the rest of the family may god give you strength and peace god bless you all. "

Alma Villa Larios wrote on Apr 7, 2010 4:05 PM:

" OMG I just learned of Mando's passing! WOW he was a great friend in high school and will surely be missed. "

friend wrote on Apr 7, 2010 12:03 PM:

" Mando was a beloved friend of my family. He was known to love him family very much. Always looking forward to the day ahead. He will be missed. "

Porky and familia wrote on Apr 1, 2010 1:26 PM:

" I will always remember our school days and your great sense of humor. My condolences to your wife, kids, and familia. May you rest in peace. Until we meet again, amigo! "

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Mando's family and friends are welcome to contact me (Peggy) at arizonaprisonwatch@gmail.com, or 480-580-6807 if there's any other information you'd like to add to this post, or if you'd like to organize with other families to change that place: this shouldn't ever have to happen again.