Department of Correction reports 15th inmate death on Rikers Island this year
NEW YORK -- Another inmate has died in custody on Rikers Island.
The Department of Correction says 28-year-old Erick Tavira died early Saturday morning. The medical examiner's office is investigating the cause of death.
Tavira is the 15th person to die in DOC custody this year.
The DOC commissioner released the following statement:
"Our deepest condolences go out to Mr. Tavira's family, friends and loved ones in their time of grief. We take the health and safety of everyone in our custody seriously, and we are conducting a preliminary investigation into this death."
Tavira was taken into custody in June 2021 on a strangulation charge.
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