A heartbreaking incident at Rikers Island has brought attention to serious problems in New York City’s jail system.
According to a report by the Board of Corrections, correction officers repeatedly prevented medical staff from treating a 23-year-old woman, Charizma Jones, who was suffering from a severe illness.
The woman later died after falling into a coma and experiencing apparent organ failure. This tragic event has raised concerns about medical neglect and the lack of proper care at the jail.
Charizma Jones had been showing signs of possible scarlet fever and was transferred to the infirmary on May 4, 2023. Her condition worsened, and medical staff were called to check her vital signs.
However, correction officers stopped them from entering her cell on six different occasions. They gave no clear reason, only citing an unspecified “security reason.”
This delay in care continued for two days, during which Jones suffered from severe symptoms, including a high fever and rash.
Eventually, after being left alone for several days, Jones was rushed to the hospital with signs of liver damage. By July 14, she was pronounced dead, and a preliminary examination revealed she had died of “multiorgan failure.”
The actions of the jail staff have caused outrage, with many advocates and some officials criticizing their behavior.
An attorney representing Jones’ family called the officers’ refusal to allow medical staff to treat her “illegal and morally repugnant.”
The attorney also stated that Jones’ death could have been prevented if proper care had been provided on time.
This incident comes amid ongoing investigations into the conditions at Rikers Island. New York’s jail system has long faced criticism, with allegations of neglect, abuse, and unsafe conditions.
These issues were highlighted in a recent federal court case, which ruled that the jail system was placing prisoners in “unconstitutional danger.”
This ruling has led to discussions about the possibility of the federal government taking control of the jail system due to the ongoing failures.
Charizma Jones, a resident of the Bronx, had a history of mental health and substance abuse issues. She was sentenced to serve time at Rikers Island in September 2023 for assault.
However, her time in jail became even more complicated after a reported altercation with a correction officer in April. Following this incident, she was placed on restricted status, which made her ineligible for early release.
On May 4, the day she was transferred to the infirmary, surveillance footage showed Jones struggling to stand and appearing weak.
After a correction officer reported her condition to the health clinic, the staff responded by saying no one was available to help.
As a result, fellow detainees attempted to assist her by rubbing ice on her skin and holding her head as she seemed to lose consciousness.
Frustrated by the lack of medical response, the detainees triggered an emergency alarm, which finally brought medical attention to Jones.
After being moved to the infirmary, she was diagnosed with a possible case of scarlet fever and isolated in a cell. However, even while vomiting and clearly in distress, officers blocked medical personnel from entering her cell.
On one occasion, they claimed that she was on “Medlock” status, a term that wasn’t clearly explained in the report.
The Department of Correction, through spokesperson Shayla Mulzac-Warner, has declined to comment on specific details of the case, citing the ongoing investigations.
The department, however, emphasized that the health and safety of all individuals in their care is a top priority.
No disciplinary actions have been reported against any staff involved in the incident, and the agency has failed to provide records relating to the refusal of medical access.
The family’s lawyer has stated that while individual officers should be held accountable, the larger problem lies in the systemic issues within the jail.
They argued that Jones’ death was not just a failure by specific officers but also a result of deeper issues of neglect and indifference at higher levels of leadership within the city.
This tragedy also ties into broader discussions about the future of Rikers Island. In 2019, the city council approved a plan to close the jail by 2027 and replace it with smaller, more modern facilities.
However, Mayor Eric Adams opposed this plan and called for a “Plan B” to address the problems at Rikers.
This year, the city’s budget director admitted that it is unlikely that the city will meet the mandated deadline for closing the facility.
The investigation into Charizma Jones’ death has sparked outrage and calls for reform. Advocates for prisoners’ rights continue to demand accountability and changes to the jail system to prevent similar tragedies from happening again.
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Archer Bannister is a journalist with 4 years of experience covering hard-hitting stories. Currently working with Mikeandjonpodcast, Archer specializes in delivering timely and in-depth updates on a variety of topics, including crime news, politics, and national issues affecting the USA. His expertise and dedication to delivering accurate, impactful news make him a trusted voice for audiences seeking to stay informed on critical topics.
