Civil Plaintiff
Family Files Wrongful Death Lawsuit After NYC Detainee Hangs Himself
The grieving family of the latest detainee to die in New York City jails has filed a wrongful death claim against the Correction Department.
Erick Tavira, 28, used a bedsheet to hang himself about 2:15 a.m. on Saturday in a mental observation unit at the George R. Vierno Center at Rikers Island. He is the 17th person to die in custody this year.
The circumstances, including whether staff had been monitoring him, remain unclear and are under investigation.
