NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — A person died at Rikers Island on Saturday, becoming the first prisoner to die in New York City Department of Correction custody in 2023 after the department was marred by its deadliest year in a decade.
The prisoner, who the DOC did not identify, died around 6:18 a.m. at the North Infirmary Command on Rikers Island, according to officials.
“Any death in custody is a tragedy. We sincerely send our deepest condolences and sympathy to this individual’s family and loved ones,” said DOC Commissioner Louis Molina in a statement. “As with all deaths in custody, we are working with our partner agencies to conduct a full investigation.”
The cause of death will be determined by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, and the Attorney General’s Office and New York City Department of Investigation will investigate. The DOC did not explain the circumstances that led up to the death.
The last person to die in DOC custody or shortly after release died on Dec. 11. Edgardo Mejias, 39, was awaiting trial for allegedly shoplifting perfume when he died.
With 19 deaths, 2022 was the deadliest year for New York City detainees since 2013, when 23 people died in DOC custody. The prison population at the time was about twice as large as it is now, though, which means death rates are higher now than they were in 2013.
The rising death toll, as well as reports of poor living conditions, chronic absenteeism among staff and unchecked violence at Rikers, have led the Legal Aid Society and elected officials like New York City Comptroller Brad Lander to call for a federal takeover of the prison.
Adams and Molina have fought this course of action in federal court since the start of Adams term a little over a year ago, promising reform.
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