Miami , Florida

A diabetic jail inmate died after being left alone and covered in his own feces for a week, said his attorney, who accused officials of failing to get medical treatment for him despite knowing of his condition.

Rodolfo Ramos, who was awaiting trial on kidnapping charges, died April 14 at a hospital, and pictures at a news conference showed his body covered by some type of bite. He was taken to the hospital March 25 from his solitary cell, where he had been for several days.

Ramos, 41, was left in a solitary cell in the Miami-Dade County jail even though a correctional officer wrote: ``I have made several attempts to (contact) medical staff to try and resolve this situation but to no avail,'' said Attorney David Kubiliun.

``Inmate Ramos should not be housed in general population; he needs to be in a medical housing unit,'' the lawyer quoted the report as saying. ``This situation needs to be addressed immediately in order to prevent a tragic, unforeseen incident.''

Another attorney said the family was waiting for autopsy results and the conclusion of a homicide investigation before deciding whether to sue.

Detective Roy Rutland, a spokesman for the Miami-Dade police, confirmed his department was investigating the death but declined to comment further.

The corrections department released a statement standing by its medical care and said it was investigating Ramos' death as it would any other death.

``While incarcerated, Mr. Ramos was regularly seen by doctors and medical staff, and hospitalized as needed. ... There is no indication of a lack of medical care or attention in his case,'' the statement said.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/story/0,,-6590852,00.html