The recent death of Charizma Jones, a 23-year-old woman held at Rikers Island, has raised concerns over the treatment of inmates in the city’s jail system. According to a report released by the Board of Corrections, correction officers repeatedly blocked medical staff from providing care to Jones, who was suffering from a possible case of scarlet fever. Despite her worsening symptoms, officers cited “security reasons” on six separate occasions when medical personnel tried to check on her vital signs. Jones was eventually rushed to the hospital with a rash, high fever, and signs of acute liver damage, and was pronounced dead of “multiorgan failure” on July 14.
Jones’ death has sparked outrage among advocates and officials, leading to ongoing investigations by the state Attorney General’s Office and the city’s Department of Investigation. Her family’s attorney, MK Kaishian, has condemned the officers’ actions as both illegal and morally repugnant, accusing them of contributing to a preventable and agonizing death. The findings of the investigation highlight the chronic issues within the jail system, including staff neglect and inadequate medical treatment.
The investigation into Jones’ death comes in the wake of a federal judge’s order for the city to prepare for a possible federal takeover of the jail system. The judge ruled that the city had placed its incarcerated population in “unconstitutional danger.” Jones, a resident of the Bronx with mental health and substance abuse issues, had been serving a sentence for assault before her death. Surveillance video reviewed by the oversight agency showed her appearing woozy and unable to stand before fellow detainees attempted to help her during a medical emergency.
Despite being transferred to the infirmary and prescribed antibiotics for scarlet fever, Jones was isolated in a cell and denied access to medical workers by correction officers. Video footage showed officers refusing to allow medical personnel into her cell, even as she vomited into a toilet. The Department of Correction has not produced records related to the refusal to grant medical access, and there have been no reports of disciplinary action against the officers involved. The attorney for Jones’ family has called for accountability at all levels of city leadership, emphasizing the systemic issues that led to her death.
New York City is required to close Rikers Island and replace it with four smaller, more modern jails by 2027, under a plan approved by the city council in 2019. However, Mayor Eric Adams has resisted the closure and called for lawmakers to develop an alternative plan. It is unclear if the city will meet the mandated deadline, as budget constraints and logistical challenges may delay the implementation of the new jail system. The tragic death of Charizma Jones has reignited the debate over the treatment of inmates in the city’s jails and the need for systemic reform to prevent similar incidents in the future.
