Rikers Island Will Face Disciplinary Action Over Inmate Death
The recent death of an inmate at Rikers Island during the night has prompted an internal review and subsequent disciplinary action, according to the Department of Corrections.
The DOC announced that it is currently evaluating the incident and has determined that there were procedural violations, resulting in planned suspensions. However, specific details regarding these violations have not been disclosed.
The incident occurred at Rikers, when a 40-year-old inmate expressed chest pains late at night. The records indicate that the staff transported the inmate, identified as Felix Taveras, to a medical clinic, where he subsequently experienced a seizure. According to the records, the staff administered the anti-overdose drug Narcan to Taveras, and he was then transferred by EMS to Elmhurst Hospital. At around 1AM, a doctor at the hospital pronounced him dead.
Former DOC Deputy Commissioner Sarena Townsend, who currently works as a criminal defense attorney with clients at Rikers, expressed her upset upon hearing the news but admitted to not being entirely surprised. Townsend stated that the summer months tend to be the most dangerous for both detainees and staff on Rikers Island, and she believes that conditions at the facility have worsened over the years.
Rikers Island and the DOC have faced extensive criticism and scrutiny over mismanagement and dysfunction, with a long history of such concerns being raised in City Council hearings and protests. Attorneys representing inmates assert that 23 individuals have died in New York City jails within the past year and a half. While some, including Townsend, have called for federal intervention and a takeover of Rikers, DOC Commissioner Luis Molina and Mayor Eric Adams have expressed their opposition to that approach.
When asked on June 8 about his confidence in Commissioner Molina, Mayor Adams affirmed his support, noting that although personal opinions matter, the numbers indicate progress in the right direction.
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