Overview
- The Miami assault, captured on surveillance for 18 minutes in May 2012, left homeless man Ronald Poppo with about 80% of his face destroyed.
- Cyclist Larry Vega called 911 as the attack unfolded, and Officer Jose Rivera fatally shot Rudy Eugene after commands to stop went ignored.
- Poppo was hospitalized in critical condition, lost his left eye, underwent months of facial reconstruction, and remains without sight.
- Toxicology on Eugene detected marijuana and undigested pills but no “bath salts,” alcohol, prescription medications, or other common illicit drugs.
- Recent retrospectives say Poppo lives in a care facility, focuses on daily recovery, and has taken up the guitar.