NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- A Rikers Island detainee died Monday, with the suspected cause being suicide, Department of Correction officials said.
Segundo Guallpa died early Monday morning at North Infirmary Command, a section of Rikers dedicated to those needing medical care.
An officer found the 57-year-old unresponsive, and was pronounced dead after emergency aid attempts, officials said.
Confirmation of Guallpa’s cause of death is pending confirmation from the medical examiner.
Officials said Segundo had only been at Rikers since Aug. 19. He entered custody on strangulation charges and was held on $7,500 bail.
“This is a terrible tragedy. We have been in contact with Mr. Guallpa’s next of kin and extended our deep condolences. We are providing assistance to our fellow law enforcement and oversight agencies as we conduct a full investigation,” said DOC Commissioner Vincent Schiraldi.
Earlier this month, 25-year-old Brandon Rodriguez was found dead at Rikers. The cause of death was reportedly also by suicide.
Last week, a new report said Rikers Island has been increasingly gripped by violence and disorder this summer under a staffing shortage.