Rikers Inmate Who Slit Own Throat Is 13th To Die In Jail: Advocates

NEW YORK CITY — A Rikers Island inmate who slit his own throat — and bled out while guards failed to act for 10 minutes — is the 13th inmate to die in the troubled jail this year, according to advocates and reports.

Michael Nieves, 40, was taken off life support and died Tuesday, days after tried to take his own life, the New York Times first reported.

The death came a day after top city elected officials gave the jail a surprise inspection and declared, while noting many lasting problems, its conditions were no longer "atrocious."

Advocates blasted the Department of Correction after the New York Times reported two uniformed officers and a captain watched for at least 10 minutes as Nieves bled out.

“The reports that New York City’s uniformed correction officers stood idly and watched Michael Nieves, our client, end his life are infuriating and tragic, but not surprising," attorneys with The Legal Aid Society said in a statement.

Nieves had severe mental illness and previously tried to take his own life, according to advocates and the Times report.

Advocates with Campaign Zero, who have declared their support for a potential federal takeover of the jail, noted it's not the first time this year guards have been accused of watching an inmate die.

The jail is broken beyond repair and suspending a few bad officers is not a serious response, said DeRay McKesson, executive director for Campaign Zero.

"Installing a federal receiver and stripping control away from a department incapable of fulfilling its responsibilities is the only humane path forward,” he said in a statement. “Michael Nieves deserved better than the treatment he received at Rikers Island."

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, there are resources to help. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24 hours a day at 988. Its website offers services including a live chat.