Man dies after police custody in San Cristóbal, family alleges abuse

Miguel Antonio Lucas Valenzuela, a 43-year-old lottery vendor, died hours after being released from a police station in San Cristóbal, sparking allegations of abuse and demands for an independent investigation.

The arrest and condition

Lucas was arrested on July 8, 2026, for operating an unauthorized Verifone device to sell lottery numbers Source: listindiario. His family says he was held for six days without visits, during which he developed a fever, bruises, and began vomiting blood Source: listindiario. On July 13, he was released in an agonic state and died roughly three hours after arriving at Hospital Regional Juan Pablo Pina Source: hoydo. A medical certificate from July 8, presented by family lawyer Carlos Rodríguez, states Lucas had no injuries before entering the station Source: diariolibree.

Police response

Police spokesperson Diego Pesqueira said the institution “speaks with evidence” and would await autopsy results to confirm or rule out physical abuse Source: hoydo. “By the moment, we have the official lifting and there is no evidence in that sense,” he stated Source: diariolibree. President Luis Abinader also deferred to investigations, saying “We will wait for the investigations” Source: diariolibree.

Family reaction and protest

Lucas’s relatives reject the official stance. His father claimed “dark hands” and noted that the arresting captain came with a photo of his son Source: listindiario. On July 16, family members and community supporters carried his coffin to the police station to demand justice Source: hoydo. The death has amplified scrutiny of police conduct, amid other recent fatal incidents involving officers Source: diariolibree.