A 23-year-old woman died after jail staff blocked medical care at Rikers Island, raising serious concerns about inmate health and safety.
New York City: A tragic situation unfolded at Rikers Island when correction officers repeatedly blocked medical staff from helping Charizma Jones, a 23-year-old woman who was seriously ill. She was suffering from what seemed like scarlet fever and was moved to an infirmary unit on May 4.
Despite her worsening condition, officers stopped medical personnel from checking on her six times, citing vague “security reasons.” After two days without care, she was finally taken to a hospital, but it was too late. She died on July 14 from organ failure.
This incident has sparked outrage among advocates and officials, leading to investigations by the state Attorney General and the city’s Department of Investigation. An attorney for Jones’ family called the officers’ actions “illegal and morally repugnant,” saying they contributed to a preventable death.
The findings highlight ongoing issues in the jail system, which has been criticized for neglect and inadequate medical treatment. Jones had been at Rikers since September 2023 for an assault charge and faced challenges with mental health and substance abuse.
Surveillance footage showed her struggling to stand just before her transfer. When officers reported her medical emergency, they were told there was no staff available to help. Fellow detainees tried to assist her, but it took an emergency alarm to finally get her medical attention.
After being isolated in a cell, she was given antibiotics but continued to suffer. Even as she was visibly unwell, officers denied medical staff access to her cell multiple times. A spokesperson for the Department of Correction declined to comment on the specifics, citing ongoing investigations.
Jones’ family attorney emphasized the need for accountability, not just for individual officers but for the systemic issues that led to her death. The city is under pressure to close Rikers Island and replace it with smaller jails by 2027, but Mayor Eric Adams has been hesitant to move forward with the plan.
As the city grapples with these challenges, the tragic loss of Charizma Jones serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for reform in the jail system.
