Ellen Frances’ family considers legal action and second autopsy

Santo Domingo.- Although the habeas corpus petition for Ellen Frances Hulett, the U.S. citizen who died in custody at the Haina Detention Center in the Dominican Republic, has been dismissed, her family is preparing to pursue further legal action from the United States.

Attorney Carlos Manuel, who represents the family locally, confirmed ongoing communication with her relatives. He said they are considering international legal avenues and a second independent autopsy to clarify the cause of death, which remains disputed.

“The petition was dismissed because Ellen had already passed away, but that doesn’t end the matter,” Manuel stated, emphasizing the family’s commitment to continue the search for justice. Plans for the second autopsy were made even before the results of the initial one by Dominican authorities were released. It is still uncertain whether this new autopsy will take place in the Dominican Republic or the U.S.

Ellen Frances’s death under unclear circumstances has drawn attention from human rights organizations and the international community, particularly due to the lack of transparency surrounding her detention and passing.