Berzas’ family responds to questions surrounding his death in November

A recent story by a local television station on the death of Benjamin “BJ” Berzas, who was found in his cell in the Evangeline Parish Jail of an overdose on November 5, has outraged his family.
The story, according to Berzas’ sister, Jamie Darbonne, hints at negligence on the part of the Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Office since her brother died of an overdose, but family members say that is far from the truth. Darbonne, speaking for her family, stated that neither she nor the family have ever attempted to blame the sheriff’s office for what happened to her brother and that the sheriff’s office has actually provided them with nothing but cooperation and support during this time.
Darbonne also stated that some of the information presented is incorrect. According to reports, it was claimed that a bottle of prescription medication was found in Berzas’ cell after his death. Darbonne said no pills were found in his cell and that the pills that led to Berzas’ death were taken before he was arrested and placed in jail.
“The family knows his cause of death,” Darbonne said. “That’s all that matters. We have closure and we accept it. The sheriff’s office is not to blame. It’s not their fault. We just want to let him (Berzas) rest in peace.”
Darbonne also stated that the family has no interest in pursuing a lawsuit against the sheriff’s office, as they hold no blame in the death of her brother.