A victim of a brutal jail cell beating is sharing his story exclusively with WINK News.
Lee County Sheriff's Office deputies reported that Brandt Diaz was nearly beaten to death by Yanko Romero in their shared cell at the Lee County Jail.
"I had, like, nightmares, so I woke up screaming and stuff," said Diaz. "I didn't know where I was. I didn't know what was going on because I blacked out."
Diaz and his attorney argued that the two should never have been placed in the same cell. Diaz, who was in jail for non-violent crimes such as larceny and burglary, spoke with WINK News anchor Claire Galt about the incident.
He described the physical and emotional pain he continues to endure.
"It hurts to look at light," said Diaz, who wore sunglasses due to the severe swelling. In a dim conference room, Diaz revealed his injuries.
"I got plates in my face and screws in my mouth," he said, comparing his bones to "the bottom of the bag of potato chips."
He expressed confusion about why he was placed in a cell with Romero, who was in jail for murder and had a history of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
"That day, I went into the place where the cells were," Diaz recalled. "When I first went in there, he was quiet. He didn't speak, he didn't do anything."
Investigators stated that Romero attacked Diaz while he was asleep. Diaz awoke in a hospital, disoriented and frightened.
"I had nightmares," Diaz said. "I woke up screaming. I didn't know where I was because I blacked out."
Doctors are uncertain if Diaz will ever fully recover his appearance or feeling on the right side of his face. Despite the challenges, Diaz has forgiven Romero.
"I'm alive. I'm blessed to be here," he said.
Diaz's story highlights the ongoing struggles he faces as he attempts to move forward.