Investigation into detainee death sought

BOSTON, Oct. 30 (UPI) -- A foreign official in Boston says the death of a Dominican Republic immigrant while in custody in Suffolk County, Mass., should be investigated.

Dominico Cabral, the Dominican Republic consul in Boston, said the family of 49-year-old Pedro Tavarez wants to learn how the immigrant fell deadly ill while being detained pending deportation at the Suffolk County House of Correction, The Boston Globe reported Friday.

"We're calling for an investigation," Cabral said. "As the consulate, we feel this case could have been handled better."

Tavarez died of unspecified causes Oct. 19 at Brigham and Women's Hospital. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said in a statement that the shuttle driver had been treated at the Boston hospital for heart and respiratory conditions.

Tavarez's niece, Jennifer Lopez, told the Globe her uncle was transported to two other hospitals before finally arriving at Brigham and Women's Hospital.

"We don't understand it," Lopez said. "If he was so sick, why didn't they take him directly to (Brigham and Women's)?"

The Globe said Tavarez's death has been referred to the state medical examiner and the customs department's Office of Professional Responsibility.