Los Angeles County will pay $2.7M to teen attacked in ‘gladiator fights’ at detention facility

Los Angeles County has agreed to pay $2.7 million to a teenager who was attacked in 2023 during orchestrated “gladiator fights” at Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall, where probation officers allegedly facilitated the violence. A state grand jury has charged 30 correctional officers for their involvement in allowing nearly 70 fights, leading to concerns about a culture of abuse within the department. Following the incident, corrective measures are being implemented, but advocates warn that systemic issues in juvenile facilities persist and require further reform.