Two Inmates Die at Rikers Island in a Single Day, Increasing the Year’s Death Toll to Seven

The number of inmate deaths at Rikers Island has risen sharply, reaching seven so far this year following two fatalities on Friday. This surpasses the total deaths recorded at the facility in all of 2024, which was five.

Benjamin Kelly, 37, was found in medical distress around 3 p.m. at the Eric M. Taylor Center. Despite emergency intervention, he died shortly after at 3:31 p.m. Correction officials confirmed his passing.

Rikers Island sign with NYC correction facilities — Two inmates died at the Rikers Island correction complex on Friday.

Later that day, James Maldanado, 56, experienced a medical emergency while on a bus en route to Rikers, after being discharged from a hospital. He received treatment at the jail’s sallyport but was pronounced dead.

Corrections Commissioner Lynelle Maginley-Liddle expressed her condolences, stating, “The loss of these two lives is profoundly tragic. We extend our deepest sympathies to their loved ones. These incidents will be thoroughly investigated.”

Rikers Island has been under federal supervision since 2015 due to ongoing issues. Recent developments include the appointment of a federal judge-approved remediation manager to oversee a comprehensive overhaul of the facility, which has seen its population increase to over 7,000 from approximately 4,000 in 2020.

Correctional officer walking inside Rikers Island — The detention center primarily houses individuals awaiting court appearances.

The cause of the deaths will be determined by the medical examiner as investigations continue into these recent incidents.