Illinois Inmate’s Father Not Surprised Claim Denied

The father of a 36-year-old New Mexico man who died in the federal prison in Pekin says he wasn’t surprised the Department of Justice denied a wrongful death and personal injury claim filed by the family.

Juan Montoya of Albuquerque, N.M., said relatives expected the denial.

Ron Hanna of Peoria is an attorney for the family. Hanna says they’re now waiting for a state investigation of medical professionals at the prison and Adam Montoya’s treatment before deciding whether the file a lawsuit.

The Justice Department says it found no evidence that negligence injured Montoya during his time in the prison.

An autopsy revealed Montoya he likely died in agony as his spleen burst. Other prisoners said his pleas for help went unanswered in the two days before his death.