The Fortune Society’s Statement on the Recent Death on Rikers Island

The Fortune Society mourns the death of 65-year-old Marvin Pines. Mr. Pines bears the terrible distinction of being the first person to die at Rikers Island this year, alone in a shower area. He is the 20th person to die after being in the custody of the NYC Department of Corrections since January of 2022, last year being the deadliest for people in our city jails in 25 years. Mr. Pines was a senior citizen who reportedly struggled with addiction issues, which contributed to his criminal legal system involvement, as well as a seizure disorder. The fact that an older person with serious medical issues cannot properly care for let alone be kept alive, is why Fortune renews the call for the appointment of a federal receiver to oversee much-needed change in our city jails before more lives are lost.