THE FORTUNE SOCIETY STATEMENT ON THE TENTH PERSON TO DIE THIS YEAR WHILE UNDER CARE OF NYC DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTION

(July 13, 2022, New York, N.Y.)–The Fortune Society issued the following statement today after the most recent death of a person in the care of the New York City Department of Correction.

“This weekend, yet another person, 31-year old Elijah Muhammad, died in Department of Correction custody at Rikers Island. We must not become numb to the horrifying humanitarian crisis that has already cost ten people their lives this year.  Action must be taken now.  The reported termination of an officer, even if appropriate, does not address the broader issues around the dysfunction, staff accountability, and facility disrepair that have been widely reported and repeated every time another person dies.  There is clearly an on-going problem with DOC that the department cannot ensure that it meets the minimum standards and basic principles to safely manage people in custody, especially when the jail population has remained at historic lows.  The fact that pre-trial detention at Rikers Island has become a death sentence for 10 people already this year is a stain on our city and must be addressed now.”