A 37-year-old man died in a metropolis jail on Rikers Island early Wednesday, the primary loss of life within the system in 2025, in accordance with officers and sources.
The person, recognized by sources as Ramel Powell, had been held within the Otis Bantum Correctional Middle. He was despatched to Rikers in July, 2023 – 19 months in the past – on a parole violation associated to a theft and an arrest in Manhattan on assault prices, in accordance with metropolis data.
The sources stated the loss of life was being investigated as a potential deadly overdose, however that was not confirmed by the Correction Division.
Court docket data point out Powell was arrested July 25 for a Might 8 assault on the Decrease East Facet. He was subsequent due in court docket on March 6.
DOC issued a quick assertion early Wednesday confirming the loss of life, however with out figuring out the detainee’s title, intercourse, location or time of loss of life – three particulars which have appeared in such releases up to now.
In 2024, the company below then Commissioner Louis Molina was criticized for a call to not launch loss of life notifications to the general public and the media. The transfer was rescinded after an outcry.
“I, and the entire NYC Department of Correction, express our deepest sympathy to the loved ones of the deceased. We are conducting a full investigation into this tragic event,” stated Correction Commissioner Lynelle Maginley-Liddie.
