Nicholaus Contreraz - Life at The "ranch"

Life At The "ranch"

Contreraz was sent out of state by juvenile authorities to the 49 year old, privately run paramilitary bootcamp-styled facility near Oracle, Arizona in Pinal County, a place which had historically enjoyed the support of prominent politicians. The facility received funding from California, where law prohibits staff in its juvenile institutions to physically restrain their wards, whereas Arizona does not. There Contreraz would be subjected to humiliation and physical torture.

Contreraz arrived January 8, at which time he was examined by Dr. Virginia Rutz. He had asthma, perhaps exacerbated by the change in elevation, and was prescribed inhalers by Dr. Rutz during his second and final visit with her one month later on February 8, but was forbidden to use them without the permission of facility staff. Around this time, he had begun experiencing nausea and diarrhea, but was told by staff members that it was "all in his mind" and that he was "a baby". During the two months there prior to his death, he lost 14 pounds, suffered fevers of temperatures over 100 degrees, muscle spasms, and severe chest pains. Other documented symptoms included chills, sweating, rapid pulse and impaired breathing, dry heaves, cyanosis, coughing, wheezing, and "moldy" body odor. He was nevertheless accused of malingering by staff.

As his condition worsened, his treatment became more extreme. Staff members at the facility used physical exercises as a method of abuse, ordering him to do calisthenics, and when he faltered he would be shoved to the ground or punched. When he would pass out, the staff would throw water on him. It was also common for inmates at the facility to be denied the right to use the restroom, access only being allowed in the morning after breakfast, and in the evening after the completion of physical "training". He eventually reached a point of inability to control his bodily functions, soiling his clothes and mattress, which was moved into the barracks bathroom, where he was made to sleep in the clothes and on the mattress. He was ordered to drop his pants for the scrutiny of other inmates, and forced to eat his meals on the toilet. He was also forced to carry his vomit, urine and feces-covered clothes around with him in a trash receptacle, over which the staff would make him do push-ups.

The vomiting and soilings became frequent, and he stated that he was "hurting all over". When staff could tell that a soiling or regurgitation were imminent, they would mockingly count down "three, two, one..." They also told other inmates that he had AIDS.

On February 27, a few days before he died, Contreraz was allowed to speak to his family on the telephone. His grandmother, Connie Woodward, later told The Arizona Republic that facility staff monitored the conversation which was held over speaker phone. They informed her that he had not eaten in a week, but that it was not something to be concerned about. "I asked Nickie, 'What's the matter, babe?' and he couldn't put sentences together. I guess he didn't have the breath. He said, 'Wanna die. Wanna be with Dad. Too hard.'" She also quoted him as saying "Chest hurts bad". His mother, Julie Vega, also later stated that during this final conversation he had with them, he coughed uncontrollably. Despite what would seem to be the alarming nature of this conversation, for whatever reason no apparent attempt was made to make sure that he received reliable medical attention. Nor was any such attempt apparently made after Contreraz spoke with his probation officer, Don Berg, two days later.

The day before he died, he was quoted as saying "Lord, help me, I need help, I need help..."