NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — A thirteenth person has died while being held on Rikers Island this year, officials announced.
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Michael Nieves, 40, was being held at the Anna M. Kross Center on Rikers for a first degree burglary charge since June 8, according to authorities.
On Friday, Nieves slit his throat with a razor, the New York Times reported. Sources told the Times that guards looked on for at least 10 minutes as Nieves bled out without aiding him.
Nieves was eventually taken to NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst where he was brain dead and on life support, according to the Times.
Department of Correction officials said Nieves died Tuesday at 9:47 p.m.
“This is a painful loss," DOC Commissioner Louis A. Molina said. "Losing a loved one who is incarcerated is traumatic, and we send our deepest condolences to Mr. Nieves’ family and all those he held dear. A preliminary review of this incident required we take immediate action and suspend three uniform staff members. Any death in custody is a tragedy and we will be investigating the circumstances surrounding this incident.”
Nieves’ death marks the third death by suicide at Rikers in 2022.
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