U.S. man dies in Mexico jail; police investigated

updated 6:11 a.m. ET Sept. 2, 2008

CABO SAN LUCAS, Mexico - Six Mexican officers have been placed under house arrest on suspicion of homicide after an American man died while in police custody in the resort city of San Jose del Cabo, a prosecutor said Monday.

Baja California Sur state deputy prosecutor Omar Barajas said the officers were placed under house arrest Sunday while authorities investigate whether they played a role in the death. He identified the victim as a 38-year-old man from Oregon, but the U.S. Embassy could not confirm his name or hometown.

The man was arrested Wednesday after he was involved in a fight at an apartment complex and died in jail hours later, Barajas said.

A medical examiner recorded minor bruises on the man's face at the time of his arrest, but more were found on his body after his death, the prosecutor said.

Barajas said the police officers gave contradictory statements about the man's incarceration. One confessed to kicking him in the face. Others said the victim hit his face on the ground when they pushed him to the floor to subdue him.

Surveillance video and witness statements indicate that officers struck the victim, Barajas said.

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