DALLAS COUNTY -
Relatives of Bernardo Mario Pena finally had its day in commissioners court today.
Authorities say Pena was involved in a fight at the Dallas County Jail on Oct. 17 and died the next day. The Dallas County Medical Examiner's office has ruled his death a homicide. Since then, Pena's family members say they have received no answers from the Dallas County Commissioners or the Dallas County Sheriff's Department about what happened or who killed Pena.
The family, along with local activist Carlos Quintanilla, were escorted out of the commissioners' meeting last Tuesday after asking to speak when they weren't signed up.
Today, the scene was much more orderly as several relatives addressed commissioners but the family had pointed comments about the lack of communication from the county.
"Somebody could have called us, 'Hey, I'm really sorry.' It's human nature," said Pena's sister Susan Pena.
Commissioner John Wiley Price said he couldn't comment on the details of the case because it is still under investigation by the Dallas County Sheriff's Department. But he appeared emotional after each family member spoke this morning.
"You have my condolences," Commissioner Price told the family after the meeting.
Relatives said they felt a little more comfort after hearing sympathy from the commissioners.
The family has asked for the Texas Rangers to start an independent investigation, but Commissioner Price said the Sheriff's Department would have to make that request.
Authorities say Pena was involved in a fight at the Dallas County Jail on Oct. 17 and died the next day. The Dallas County Medical Examiner's office has ruled his death a homicide. Since then, Pena's family members say they have received no answers from the Dallas County Commissioners or the Dallas County Sheriff's Department about what happened or who killed Pena.
The family, along with local activist Carlos Quintanilla, were escorted out of the commissioners' meeting last Tuesday after asking to speak when they weren't signed up.
Today, the scene was much more orderly as several relatives addressed commissioners but the family had pointed comments about the lack of communication from the county.
"Somebody could have called us, 'Hey, I'm really sorry.' It's human nature," said Pena's sister Susan Pena.
Commissioner John Wiley Price said he couldn't comment on the details of the case because it is still under investigation by the Dallas County Sheriff's Department. But he appeared emotional after each family member spoke this morning.
"You have my condolences," Commissioner Price told the family after the meeting.
Relatives said they felt a little more comfort after hearing sympathy from the commissioners.
The family has asked for the Texas Rangers to start an independent investigation, but Commissioner Price said the Sheriff's Department would have to make that request.
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