Colorado Family Settles $10M Jail Death Case | Denver News

A Colorado family is set to receive a $10 million settlement after their 69-year-old loved one, Michael John Burch, died in custody at the Huerfano County Detention Center. Alleging he was beaten by an officer, denied critical medical care, and left to die in his cell, the family’s lawsuit claims his death resulted from blunt force trauma after being tased and thrown to the ground. Despite being in good health when he entered jail, Burch suffered multiple broken ribs and deteriorated rapidly — his pleas for help ignored. Photos show severe bruising, and the autopsy confirms fatal chest and abdominal injuries. The settlement, finalized in May 2026, resolves a federal lawsuit against county officials and medical staff. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/e213618bd4560840