Fla. Department of Juvenile Justice Launches Investigation Into Death of Boy After Fight at Miami-Dade Juvenile Detention Center

An investigation has been launched into the death of a 17-year-old boy who was involved in a fight at the Miami-Dade Juvenile Detention Center, officials said Tuesday.

The Florida Department of Juvenile Justice is investigating the death of Elord Revolte, who passed away late Monday at Holtz Children's Hospital.

Revolte had been arrested by the Miami Beach Police Department and was taken to the detention center.

An initial review showed Revolte was involved in an altercation with a number of other youths at the detention center late Sunday afternoon.

Miami-Dade Police, who are investigating Revolte's death, said the fight involved 15-20 other juvenile inmates.

He was assessed by medical personnel immediately after the incident and was taken to the hospital after an additional medical assessment on Monday afternoon. He died after being taken to the hospital Monday, officials said.

Miami-Dade Police said the cause of the death is unknown pending the medical examiner's report.

"I thought he was going to get locked up. I didn't realize he was going to pass away. That's sad for him to pass away," said a teenager interviewed by NBC 6.

The teenager knew Revolte, but we're not identifying him because he's in the foster care system. He lived with Revolte at the same Miami Beach home for a few days in July before Revolte ran away.

He had been reported missing in early August by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

The foster mother, who didn't want to speak on camera, showed us the garbage bag of clothes that she held onto since Revolte disappeared. She and the friend both said Revolte often got into trouble.

"He was an ambitious teenager. He wanted to make money by himself. He didn't want to depend on people," the teenager said.

In fact, they said police came by last week looking for Revolte and asked about his alleged involvement in an armed robbery.

Revolte was arrested on Saturday by Miami Beach Police, and the fight was the next day.

The DJJ said they are investigating to make sure all proper procedures were followed.

"It's absolutely heartbreaking to learn of the death of this young man. In addition to the investigation being conducted by Miami Dade Police, the Department has initiated our own investigation to ensure that our very high standards of accountability and transparency are met and all proper procedures were followed," DJJ secretary Christina Daly said in a statement. "At the conclusion of this investigation, we will inform the public of the findings and take all appropriate action to ensure that we prevent any tragedy like this from ever occurring again. If policies or procedures were not followed, we will hold the appropriate individuals accountable."

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