Introduction to the Incident
A corrections vehicle leaves Rikers Island
Photo by Dean Moses
Another inmate at Rikers Island died early on Sunday morning after feeling sick inside his cell at the Otis Bantam Correctional Center, NYC Department of Correction (DOC) officials said.
The man was the 14th inmate to die in DOC custody this year.
Details of the Incident
According to the DOC, at around 2 a.m. on Dec. 7, an officer who was conducting his tour found the man in his cell who “appeared unwell.” The officer then activated a medical emergency, prompting medical staff to render aid. EMS rushed there to provide additional help, DOC explained.
Paramedics raced the man to Mount Sinai Queens Hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly later at 3:15 a.m. Sunday.
Background on Rikers Island Deaths
As of Nov. 21, there had been 13 Rikers-linked deaths this year, according to the Vera Institute of Justice, a nonprofit whose mission includes “fighting to end mass incarceration.”
Official Response
“The department is mourning the tragic death of an individual in our custody. We extend our deepest condolences to his friends and family,” NYC Correction Commissioner Lynelle Maginley-Liddie said in a statement. “The safety of everyone in our care is always our foremost concern, and we will fully investigate this tragedy.”
DOC officials stated that, as required by law, the agency notified the Federal Monitor, the Board of Correction, the State Attorney General’s Office, the City Department of Investigation, the State Commission of Correction, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, and district attorneys.
Investigation and Information
A DOC spokesperson told amNewYork the department has “no further information” on the incident, including the name of the inmate, how he died and why he was in custody.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Previous Incidents
Previously, among the deaths on Rikers reported this year, a man died in custody on Sept. 3 after suffering what appeared to be a seizure, DOC officials reported.
That death followed a string of deaths at the facility that occurred close together, as well as a shocking pair of deaths in June, when two people died in custody within about an hour of each other.
Conclusion
The death of the 14th inmate at Rikers Island this year raises concerns about the safety and well-being of individuals in custody. The ongoing investigation will hopefully shed light on the circumstances surrounding the incident and lead to measures that prevent such tragedies in the future.
FAQs
- Q: How many inmate deaths have occurred at Rikers Island this year?
A: As of the latest incident, there have been 14 inmate deaths in DOC custody this year. - Q: What happened to the inmate who died?
A: The inmate was found unwell in his cell, and after medical aid was provided, he was rushed to the hospital where he was pronounced dead. - Q: Is the incident being investigated?
A: Yes, the investigation into the death is ongoing, and the DOC has notified all relevant agencies as required by law. - Q: What has been the response from the DOC?
A: The DOC has expressed condolences to the family and friends of the deceased and has initiated an investigation into the incident, emphasizing the safety of everyone in their care as their foremost concern.
