Settlement Reached: Family of Inmate Who Died After Altercation Awarded $5 Million

Tragic Incident at Metropolitan Detention Center

In a significant legal resolution, Bernalillo County has agreed to pay $5 million to the family of John Sanchez, a 34-year-old inmate who died following a violent incident at the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) in Albuquerque. The settlement, reached in September 2025, concludes a wrongful death lawsuit against the county and Sgt. Stephen Gabaldon, the officer involved in the incident, although it does not include an admission of liability.

Details of the Incident

The tragic events unfolded on June 12, 2023, when Sanchez, who was handcuffed at the time, was being escorted by Gabaldon. According to an incident report, Sanchez allegedly kicked the officer, leading Gabaldon to tackle him head-first to the ground. Surveillance footage captured the incident, which raised serious concerns about the use of excessive force on restrained inmates.

After the altercation, Sanchez was briefly evaluated by medical staff but was returned to his cell. Approximately 45 minutes later, he was discovered vomiting and seizing. He was subsequently transported to the University of New Mexico Hospital, where medical professionals diagnosed him with a large brain bleed, skull fractures, and other severe injuries. Tragically, four days later, Sanchez was declared brain dead, and his family made the heartbreaking decision to take him off life support.

Family’s Pursuit of Justice

Family attorney Taylor Smith emphasized that the settlement acknowledges wrongdoing, stating, “Even if MDC will never admit to liability, we all know what the $5 million means.” However, Sanchez’s family continues their legal battle against the former healthcare provider for MDC, alleging negligence in the delayed transfer of Sanchez to the hospital, which they believe contributed to his death.

Concerns About MDC and Law Enforcement Practices

The incident has intensified scrutiny surrounding the practices at MDC, which has faced criticism for its treatment of inmates, particularly those in its detox unit. This facility has been involved in multiple wrongful death cases, raising alarms about the treatment and medical care provided to inmates. Furthermore, Gabaldon, who was placed on paid administrative leave following Sanchez’s death, is no longer employed at MDC, yet calls for criminal charges against him persist.

Background on John Sanchez

Sanchez’s life was marked by struggles with drug addiction, compounded by the tragic loss of his infant daughter, which many believe contributed to his downward spiral. His father, Bennie Jaramillo, expressed profound grief and frustration, criticizing the justice system for not providing adequate support. “I do blame the justice system,” said Jaramillo, who desires accountability for Gabaldon’s actions. “He’d get in trouble, they’d let him out. Maybe if they were less lenient on people we could have forced him to get help.”

Implications of the Settlement

The $5 million settlement serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing issues within the correctional system, particularly regarding the treatment of vulnerable populations. The case highlights the urgent need for reform in how law enforcement and correctional facilities manage incidents involving mentally and physically restrained individuals. As the family continues to seek justice, they hope this settlement will catalyze meaningful changes in the system.