(EL PASO COUNTY, Colo.) — The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office (EPSO) reached a settlement agreement with the Estate of Cristo J. Canett for $2.5 million after Canett died in custody in 2022.

According to EPSO, on April 26, 2022, Canett, an inmate at the El Paso County Jail, was found unresponsive in his cell. Deputies, jail medical staff, American Medical Response (AMR), and the Colorado Springs Fire Department attempted life-saving efforts but were unsuccessful.

The El Paso County Coroner ruled that Canett died as a result of a perforated ulcer.

In October 2024, EPSO reached a settlement agreement with the Estate of Canett for $2.5 million. The settlement agreement was approved by the Board of County Commissioners at a public meeting on Oct. 29, 2024. The formal dismissal of the claims against EPSO was delayed due to Wellpath’s (the former medical provider of the El Paso County Jail) bankruptcy proceeding.

Under the terms of the settlement, Berkley Public Entity, El Paso County’s excess insurance carrier, has or will pay $2 million, and El Paso County has paid $500,000.

EPSO released the following statement:

The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office extends our condolences to Mr. Canett’s family and friends. It is our hope this settlement provides the family an opportunity to continue their healing journey.

El Paso County Sheriff’s Office