The Los Angeles County Claims Board has provided a recommendation for a $3.5 million settlement in a lawsuit concerning the tragic death of a 2-year-old boy named Damien Ventura. The incident occurred in 2018, when Damien was allegedly physically abused by his mother’s boyfriend in Westchester. Sadly, Damien passed away at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center in Westwood just days before his third birthday.
At the time of the lawsuit filing by Oscar Ventura, Damien’s father, Josafat Bonifacio was 27 years old. Bonifacio had been responsible for the care of Damien and his own 4-year-old daughter when emergency services were called to the scene. Damien was taken to the hospital with multiple injuries, leading to Bonifacio being charged with murder. He was subsequently sentenced to 15 years to life in prison.
The county Claims Board has recommended a settlement of $3.5 million to Oscar Ventura in order to avoid further litigation costs. Final approval for the settlement lies with the Board of Supervisors. This decision is based on the high risks and uncertainties associated with prolonged litigation.
According to the lawsuit, Damien had alternating living arrangements between his father and his mother, Grace Levine. The suit states that when Damien was returned to his father after visiting his mother in January 2018, he exhibited signs of abuse, including bleeding in his eye, bruises on his face, and scratches on his neck. Damien allegedly told his father that “Joe,” referring to Bonifacio, had hit him.
The suit further claims that instead of investigating the reports of abuse, a social worker accused Oscar Ventura of fabricating allegations in an attempt to win back Grace. However, Levine was later removed from the lawsuit as a defendant on February 15.
Oscar Ventura’s attorney, Brian Claypool, has previously expressed blame for Damien’s death on the incompetency of the Los Angeles County social workers and the alleged failure of the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) to take action following the torture deaths of other children, namely Gabriel Fernandez and Anthony Avalos. Both cases had been reported to DCFS.
Overall, the Los Angeles County Claims Board’s recommendation of a $3.5 million settlement aims to resolve the lawsuit and avoid additional legal expenses. This decision highlights the importance of addressing child abuse cases promptly and effectively to ensure the safety of vulnerable children.
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