Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Rikers detainee dies at hospital after lawyer says he tried to get him released from jail
By
Samir Ferdowsi
Published Jul 9, 2025
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 .
Michael M. Santiago / Getty Images
By
Samir Ferdowsi
Published Jul 9, 2025
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
A Rikers Island detainee died Wednesday while receiving palliative care at a local hospital, according to the New York City Department of Correction — a day after his attorney said he asked the court to release his client from custody.
Christian Collado, 51, died shortly before 7 a.m. Wednesday at Bellevue Hospital’s jail ward, correction officials said. Jail and court records show he had been held since October on charges of burglary, petit larceny and criminal possession of stolen property in connection with an August incident.
Collado is the eighth detainee to die in or shortly after being released from DOC custody this year, which has already eclipsed last year in detainee deaths.
His attorney, Judah Maltz, said Collado had bile duct cancer. Maltz said he tried to get the case dismissed because of it, but was only able to petition the court Tuesday after obtaining a letter from a doctor earlier this month attesting that Collado’s death was imminent.
“I blame the system,” Maltz said. “There should be a law allowing lawyers to file a motion asking for physical examination to see if a person is physically able to stand trial.”
The correction department said Collado’s brother visited him during his illness and was with him when he died. Rikers officials said they notified other city and state agencies about the death as required.
“Our thoughts are with Mr. Collado’s loved ones at this time,” Correction Commissioner Lynelle Maginley-Liddie said in a statement.
Tagged
Rikers Island
new york city
public safety
Samir Ferdowsi
Samir is a day-of reporter on the general assignment and breaking news desk. Previously Samir was a reporter, host and producer at VICE News.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Staten Island fire injures two, but spares historic 'Godfather' church
Dozens of firefighters responded to the blaze, which started in a vacant warehouse. It was contained within three hours.
By
Giulia Heyward
Published Oct 18, 2026 at 10:34 a.m. ET
Bail reform remains major issue in NY governor's race, 7 years after it became law
Repeat offenders are a big talking point in the governor's race.
By
Gino Fanelli
News
Bail reform remains major issue in NY governor's race, 7 years after it became law
Repeat offenders are a big talking point in the governor's race.
By
Gino Fanelli
NYPD searching for 'person of interest' in fatal Midtown subway platform shooting
By
Ryan Kost
and
Elizabeth Kim
Have you seen this Yorkie? NYPD looking for adorable pup dognapped from her Queens home
By
Ryan Kost
Being reigning champions is weird for Knicks fans, but we could get used to this.
By
Catalina Gonella
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 .