Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Man Dies Following “Medical Issue” On Rikers Island, 15th NYC Jail Fatality This Year
By
George Joseph
Published Dec 10, 2021
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
Erik Pendzich/Shutterstock
By
George Joseph
Published Dec 10, 2021
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Malcolm Boatwright, 28, died this morning at Bellevue Hospital after experiencing a “medical issue” at a jail facility on Rikers Island, according to corrections authorities. The city’s medical examiner is currently probing the cause of his death.
“This is a heartbreaking loss at the end of a very difficult year. My deepest sympathy goes out to Mr. Boatwright’s loved ones,” said Department of Correction Commissioner Vincent Schiraldi.
Boatwright had been in Department of Correction custody for little under a month, arrested on charges of sexual abuse. On November 12th, a Brooklyn judge ordered a psychiatric exam in his case, court records show.
Boatwright’s passing marks the fifteenth death of a person incarcerated in New York City in 2021, making this year the deadliest in New York City jails since 2016. Five of the deaths were suicides. Two of the 15 took place outside of DOC custody because courts granted compassionate release before the detainees’ deaths.
In September, Isaabdul Karim, 42, passed away on Rikers Island due to health issues. While the primary cause of his death is unknown, his attorneys say he contracted COVID-19 while languishing in an intake area for more than a week. The next month, Victor Mercado, 64, passed away at a hospital after contracting the virus, according to his attorney and a jail medical staffer.
Over the last year, Rikers Island and other New York City jails have descended into violence and despair as hundreds of corrections officers called out sick or failed to show up to work. Authorities have been unable to carry out basic jail operations, including health care services, as a result.
Jail authorities say conditions have marginally improved in recent weeks as they have cut down on staff absenteeism and had to force fewer officers to work triple shifts as a result. Between July and November of this year, city jails saw an 11% decrease in use of force compared to the same period in the five months before. During this time, the jails also experienced a 12% drop in the assault rate against staff. The average stabbing and slashing rate also declined by 12%, according to Department of Correction Officials.
Boatwright’s attorney did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Tagged
rikers death
Rikers Island
department of correction
George Joseph
George covers Brooklyn for THE CITY with a focus on criminal justice and housing. He previously worked for WNYC and Gothamist, and has published stories with NPR, ProPublica, Esquire, and The Intercept among other outlets.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
NYPD searching for suspect after fatal stabbing in Queens
Officers responding to a call at the intersection of Jamaica Avenue and 173rd Street around 1 a.m. found 29-year-old Sulimon Ferrier, who had multiple stab wounds to his chest, police said.
By
Ben Feuerherd
Published Oct 3, 2026 at 4:38 p.m. ET
NYPD: 2 suspects in off-duty officer stabbing tried to rob victim
It’s unclear if the attackers knew the victim was NYPD.
By
Jill Webb
News
NYPD: 2 suspects in off-duty officer stabbing tried to rob victim
It’s unclear if the attackers knew the victim was NYPD.
By
Jill Webb
Astoria-born Chip City announces sudden closure days after former CEO sues
By
Catalina Gonella
US judge tosses Trump lawsuit targeting pro-Palestinian protesters in NJ
By
Willow Higgins
A big, bright Saturn will be the highlight of NYC's fall stargazing season
By
Rosemary Misdary
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .