Rikers Island Inmate Dies, Raising Toll To 18 Deaths In 2022: Reports

QUEENS — Another inmate in custody died on Monday at Rikers Island, raising the toll at the facility to 18 deaths this year, according to reports.

Gilberto Garcia, 26, died exactly three years after he began his detention in New York City’s jails, according to New York Daily News.

“We send our deepest condolences to Mr. Garcia’s loved ones and family at this difficult time. As with every death that occurs in custody, we will conduct a preliminary investigation into the cause and circumstances,” Department of Corrections Commissioner Louis A. Molina said in a statement reported by amNewYork.

He entered the department’s custody on Nov. 2, 2019, on a first-degree robbery charge, according to Spectrum News NY1.

Reports state that Garcia was pronounced dead at the jail at 12:50 p.m. Monday afternoon.

The news comes as Rikers Island continues to record a stark amount of deaths in the facility this year. The facility recorded 16 deaths in 2021, which saw the largest amount of deaths since 2013.

Officials are considering placing Rikers Island under federal control if the city fails to improve the facilities.