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Judge Blocks Release Of Autopsy On Man Who Died In Custody
A judge issued a temporary restraining order to block the release of an autopsy report in the case of a man who died in police custody, ruling that publication of the results could jeopardize investigations into the death.
The Valley Morning Star and The Brownsville Herald had filed open records requests for the autopsy report on Daniel Rivera Tamez, 21, who died Jan. 19.
The death came a day after the Harlingen man was arrested on charges of evading and resisting arrest and reckless driving.
Cameron County District Attorney Armando Villalobos argued that the release of the autopsy report would compromise independent investigations being conducted by the Texas Rangers and the FBI.
State District Judge Abel Limas ruled in favor of Villalobos this week, stating that a 'public display' of the report could contaminate candid witness accounts.
Limas' ruling also barred the newspapers from publishing any information in the autopsy report or attempting to obtain a copy.
Tamez's parents have alleged that police actions may have contributed to their son's death, which was attributed to cardiac arrest in preliminary medical reports, authorities said.