Jose Rivas Barillas, an 18-year-old from Los Angeles County, is set to receive a settlement of approximately $2.7 million (specifically $2.67 million) following an alleged brutal beating he endured two years prior in what have been termed "gladiator" fights at the Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall. The LA County Board of Supervisors approved this significant sum for Barillas, who was only 16 at the time of the incident.

The incident in question occurred in December 2023. CCTV footage captured Barillas being attacked and beaten by six other minors within the confines of Los Padrinos. Disturbingly, probation officers on duty at the time were observed merely standing by and watching the assault unfold, despite the evident distress and danger Barillas faced.

Two of the probation officers involved, identified as longtime officials Taneha Brooks and Shawn Smyles, have faced accusations of not only failing to intervene but also of laughing during the "gladiator" fights and even encouraging them, according to Witnessla. Reports indicate that probation officers at Los Padrinos allegedly wanted the fights to happen at the start of the day, at a certain time and place, effectively creating an area and timeframe where and when the fights could occur.

As a result of the severe beating, Barillas suffered serious injuries, including a broken nose and a traumatic brain injury, according to his attorney, Jamal Tooson. Tooson emphasized that his client did not receive immediate medical attention following the assault, nor were his parents promptly notified about what had happened. Tooson argued, as reported by the New York Times, that probation officers instead let Barillas sit there while his nose was bleeding into his lunch.

The case has led to significant legal repercussions. On March 3, 2025, California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced the unsealing of a grand jury indictment against 30 detention services officers from Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall. The charges leveled against these officers are severe, encompassing child endangerment, abuse, conspiracy, and battery.

Attorney Jamal Tooson highlighted the critical role of the video footage, stating that the visual evidence of the "gladiator" fights themselves made this case particularly unique. The investigation into the widespread issues at Los Padrinos gained momentum after the Los Angeles Times obtained and published video footage showing Barillas being beaten while officers idly watched, an event reported by NBC News. Officials have previously stated that approximately 140 detainees, whose ages range from 12 to 18, were involved in the "gladiator" fights.

The chair of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors commented on the $2.7 million settlement for Barillas, describing what happened to him as "inexcusable." This sentiment underscores the gravity of the systemic failures and abuse that occurred within the juvenile detention facility.