NYC disregarded mental health alerts before a man's self-inflicted demise at Rikers.
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In the wake of the tragic death of Jimmy Avila, a 29-year-old man who took his own life at Rikers Island in August 2023, questions have been raised about the treatment of individuals with severe mental illness within the city's correctional facilities.
Avila, a community advocate and tenant leader, was arrested in connection with a shooting at a Bronx apartment building. Following his arrest, he was taken to Lincoln Hospital for medical and mental health needs. However, according to a lawsuit filed by Avila's family, corrections officers ignored explicit warnings about his mental health.
The lawsuit seeks surveillance footage, medical records, internal communications, and the names of officials involved in Avila's case. It alleges that Avila was placed alone in a cell without monitoring, despite his attorney's request for immediate mental health treatment and protective custody.
The death of Avila, who died by suicide less than 24 hours after being taken into custody, is not an isolated incident. Ardit Billa, another individual who died at Rikers Island, prompted the suspension of three jail staffers less than two weeks before Avila's death.
Advocates and public defenders have repeatedly warned about the treatment of people with severe mental illness at Rikers Island, including prolonged stays in solitary confinement without medication. In November 2023, a federal judge found the city in contempt for failing to protect detainees from violence and inadequate medical care.
The city's jails face the threat of a federal takeover due to repeated failures to protect detainees. Avila's death is the 11th person to die in city custody or shortly after release this year, which is more than double the five deaths recorded in all of 2024. Advocates are pressing for a full receivership that would remove control from local officials.
The Legal Aid Society, which represented Avila, stated that he had serious mental illness and should have been under close supervision. The city's Department of Correction referred questions to the city's Law Department, which did not respond to requests for comment.
For those seeking newer, current information about this ongoing crisis, it is recommended to consult the website of the responsible Interior Ministry, independent press portals, or international human rights organizations. Official press releases or court documents may provide more transparency as the situation develops. If you have specific sources or newspaper articles in mind, they can be analysed upon request!
