Rikers Inmate Dies After Two Months In Custody: DOC

QUEENS — A Rikers Island inmate died after two months in custody on Sunday, the Department of Correction said, rising the correction facility’s stark death rate for the year.

Edgardo Mejias, 39, died at the Anna M. Kross Center about 5 p.m., marking Rikers’ 17th death this year, the department said.

“Mr. Mejias’ passing fills our hearts with sadness, and we extend our heartfelt sympathies to all who held him dear as we recognize how hard it is to lose a loved one during the holidays,” the DOC Commissioner Louis A. Molina said in a statement. “As with all deaths in custody, we will work with our sister agencies to ensure that this matter is thoroughly and completely investigated”.

Mejias had entered the facility on Oct. 2 on a robbery charge.

The 39-year-old's death will be investigated by the State Attorney General’s Office and the NYC Department of Investigation, and his cause of death by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.