Statement Regarding Settlement Agreement with the Estate of Mr. Cristo J. Canett

In October 2024, the El Paso County Sheriff's Office reached a settlement agreement with the Estate of Cristo J. Canett.  The formal dismissal of the Estate’s claims against the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office was delayed due to Wellpath’s (the former medical provider for the El Paso County Jail) bankruptcy proceeding.

On April 26, 2022, Mr. Canett, an inmate at the El Paso County Jail, was found unresponsive in his cell. Deputies, jail medical staff, American Medical Response (AMR) responders, and the Colorado Springs Fire Department attempted lifesaving efforts. 

Unfortunately, those efforts were not successful.

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

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

The Board of County Commissioners approved this settlement at a public meeting on October 29, 2024.

Cassandra Sebastian, a Public Information Officer for the El Paso County Sheriff's Office, issued 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.”

The El Paso County Sheriff's Office will have no further comment on this settlement.