Here’s why Rikers Island is in crisis



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The dead include Wilson Diaz Guzman, 30, who hanged himself in his cell in January, and Javier Velasco, 30-year-old, who was found unconscious in March with a sheet wrapped around his neck. August 10, Brandon Rodriguez, 25, was found hanged in a shower in a prison admission area and on August 30, According to Guallpa, 57, was found dead in what the Corrections Department described as suspected suicide.

The city’s chief medical examiner said on Wednesday that the death of Tomas Carlo Camacho, 48, in March, had also committed suicide. Mr. Camacho was found unconscious and on his knees, his head through a small opening in the cell door known as the handcuff slot.

At least five other people have died on Rikers Island this year: Thomas braunson iii, 35, Richard blake, 45, José Mejia Martinez, 35, Robert jackson, 42 and, last week, Esias Johnson, 24.

Mr Braunson died of an overdose and Mr Blake of heart disease, according to the city. The causes of the deaths of Mr Martinez, Mr Jackson and Mr Johnson remain undetermined.

Allen Chey King, 51, detained at Rikers, said he found Mr Johnson unconscious in a prison dormitory. Mr Johnson had pleaded with staff for medical treatment in the two days before his death, Mr King said.

The guards tried to help, Mr King said, but it appeared the clinic was being supported by patients.

“He said he was in a lot of pain. His stomach was aching, ”King said. “He said he had to go to the clinic.”

Rikers is a city jail, but people are sent there because they are accused of violating state law. This means that any attempt to resolve the crisis there must occur at the delicate intersection of state and city politics.

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