A Rikers Island correction officer has been suspended after failing to provide lifesaving aid to a detainee who suffered a seizure and subsequently died, just one day before he was scheduled to be transferred to an upstate prison. The detainee, Carlos Cruz, 43, was part of a backlog of individuals awaiting transfer due to a recent unsanctioned strike by state correction officers, which had delayed such moves.
Cruz’s death on September 3 has been described in a preliminary report from the city Board of Correction, which was obtained by Gothamist through a public records request. The document revealed that the officer involved, whose name has not been disclosed, was suspended for 30 days in connection with the incident. Cruz was set to be transferred to Green Haven Correctional Facility in Dutchess County to complete a five-year sentence for attempted arson.
The report details a grim sequence of events leading to Cruz’s death. As he lay on the floor bleeding from his mouth after the seizure, the officer reportedly shouted his name multiple times but did not administer CPR or chest compressions. When medical staff finally arrived, Cruz was already in critical condition, with his fingers turning purple. Despite efforts to revive him, including CPR and the administration of Narcan and epinephrine, he was pronounced dead less than two hours later.
This incident marks the twelfth death of a detainee at or shortly after release from Rikers in 2025, highlighting ongoing concerns about conditions within the facility. Rikers has faced public scrutiny and legal challenges, including the appointment of a court-appointed “remediation manager” and the looming threat of federal oversight due to long-standing issues of violence, abuse, drug use, and misconduct among both inmates and staff. Alarmingly, the number of detainee deaths at Rikers this year has more than doubled compared to all of last year.
Cruz had been at Rikers since April 2024, facing multiple charges related to domestic violence incidents, including attempted arson. His attorney, Michael Vitaliano, expressed outrage over the circumstances of Cruz’s death, stating, “No one should lose their life over that.” Vitaliano noted that Cruz had a history of seizures and had been awaiting transfer for several months. He also emphasized Cruz’s desire to turn his life around, stating, “His plan was to turn his life around. He was truly ready to go upstate, take advantage of the programs and come out and be a different man.”
In the wake of this tragedy, there are calls for systemic reforms at Rikers. Vitaliano commented on the urgent need for changes in conditions, stating, “I think the conditions need to change.” The case has raised serious questions about the responsibilities of correctional officers and the treatment of detainees, particularly those in medical distress.
As investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding Cruz’s death, the broader implications for Rikers Island and the treatment of its detainees remain a critical issue for city officials and the community. For more updates on local news and developments concerning correctional facilities, stay connected with hiphopraisedmetheblog.com, where we provide in-depth coverage of important stories affecting our communities.
