Is the NYPD failing people who fall ill in its custody?
Six people died after medical emergencies in NYPD custody in 2026. Public defenders blame systemic neglect; the NYPD says it investigates every death and most detainees were seen by doctors first.
Claim in dispute
All but one of the people who died in NYPD custody in 2026 were transferred to or cleared by medical facilities before their deaths.
Case period:
Published by The Dispute Index editorial teamPublished Updated
Overview
Reginald Newkirk, 54, was arrested on October 2, 2026 on a drug possession charge in East Flatbush. According to the NYPD, he showed withdrawal symptoms the next morning, was taken to SUNY Downstate and discharged back to the 67th Precinct, and officers called EMS about three hours later. He was pronounced dead at Kings County Hospital early on October 4. His brother has asked a Brooklyn judge to order the city to turn over officers' names and precinct video.
Gothamist counts Newkirk as at least the sixth person in 2026 to die after a medical emergency in NYPD custody before arraignment. The medical examiner ruled three earlier deaths, of people held at Manhattan and Brooklyn Central Booking, accidents involving acute drug intoxication. Zamiqua Miller, one of the three, had been taken to hospitals twice and discharged back to Central Booking the day before she died.
Deaths in NYPD custody before arraignment fall outside the Board of Correction, which oversees city jails. The NYPD's Force Investigation Division investigates each death. At a September 2025 Council hearing an NYPD deputy commissioner said the Department of Investigation was examining custody deaths; the department had said days earlier that it is not mandated to review them, and we could not find any published findings. In July 2026 City Hall said it was reviewing every stage from arrest through arraignment.
People in this case
Zohran MamdaniDirectly involved
Jumaane WilliamsCommented
Lincoln RestlerCommented
Tiffany CabánCommented
Timeline
14 timeline entries on this page. Dates: July 28, 2025 to October 6, 2026
July 2025
1 event
Council committee hears a bill to put medical clinics in criminal court facilities
The Committee on Criminal Justice hears Int. 98-2024, Council Member Nantasha Williams's bill requiring a medical clinic in each criminal court facility. Correctional Health Services opposes it and describes its pre-arraignment screening service as two nurses at desks, not a clinic.
[01]Transcript of the New York City Council Committee on Criminal Justice hearing on Int. 98-2024, July 28, 2025
Official transcript of the Criminal Justice Committee's hearing on a bill to require medical clinics in city criminal court facilities.
Transcript of the New York City Council Committee on Criminal Justice hearing on Int. 98-2024, July 28, 2025Opening statement by Council Member Nantasha Williams, transcript pages 6-7
49 days between recorded events
September 2025
3 events
Department of Investigation says it is not mandated to review deaths in police custody
Reaction
Responding to public defenders' request for an independent review of 2025 deaths in NYPD custody, a Department of Investigation spokesperson tells Gothamist the agency is not mandated to review deaths in police custody.
[02]With 5 deaths in NYPD custody this year, public defenders ask who's policing the police?
Gothamist report on public defenders' request for an independent review of 2025 deaths in NYPD custody, including the Department of Investigation's response.
With 5 deaths in NYPD custody this year, public defenders ask who's policing the police?Paragraphs on the Department of Investigation's mandatePublic defenders unveil a ten-point plan on deaths in NYPD custody
Reaction
A coalition of public defender offices, joined by Council Member Tiffany Cabán, calls for independent investigations, medical care in every precinct and courthouse, and fewer custodial arrests for low-level offenses.
[03]NYC Public Defenders, Community Groups Unveil Ten-Point Plan to Address Growing Crisis of Deaths in NYPD Custody
Press release from a coalition of New York City public defender offices announcing a ten-point plan on deaths in NYPD custody, issued before the Council's September 22, 2025 hearing.
NYC Public Defenders, Community Groups Unveil Ten-Point Plan to Address Growing Crisis of Deaths in NYPD CustodyQuoted statements from Council Member Tiffany Cabán and public defender leadersNYPD officials face Council questions on deaths in custody
At a Public Safety Committee hearing, Deputy Commissioner Michael Gerber says the Force Investigation Division investigates every death in custody and that the Department of Investigation is examining such deaths. The Civilian Complaint Review Board says it does not systematically investigate them.
[04]Transcript of the New York City Council Committee on Public Safety hearing, September 22, 2025
Official transcript of the Public Safety Committee's oversight hearing on NYPD officer discipline and the Civilian Complaint Review Board, where members questioned NYPD officials about deaths in custody.
Transcript of the New York City Council Committee on Public Safety hearing, September 22, 2025Exchanges on deaths in custody, transcript pages 46-47, 91-95 and 109-115
143 days between recorded events
February 2026
1 event
Bill for clinics in criminal court facilities is reintroduced
Council Member Nantasha Williams reintroduces the courthouse clinic bill as Int. 661-2026. It is referred to the Committee on Criminal Justice.
[05]Int. 0661-2026: Requiring the department of correction and correctional health services to establish a medical clinic to treat persons transported to a court facility
City Council legislation record for a bill, sponsored by Council Member Nantasha Williams, that would require a medical clinic in each city criminal court facility. It was introduced on February 12, 2026 and referred to the Committee on Criminal Justice.
26 days between recorded events
March 2026
2 events
Bill requiring Civilian Complaint Review Board investigations of deaths caused by police action is introduced and withdrawn
Int. 754-2026, which would have required the board to investigate any injury or death caused by police action, is introduced and withdrawn at the same Council meeting.
[06]Int. 0754-2026: Requiring the civilian complaint review board to conduct an investigation of any injury or death caused by police action
City Council legislation record for a bill that would have required the Civilian Complaint Review Board to investigate any injury or death caused by police action. It was introduced and withdrawn on March 10, 2026.
Vincent Thoms dies after being held at Manhattan Central Booking
Incident
Thoms, 51, arrested earlier that day on a shoplifting charge, has a medical emergency at Manhattan Central Booking and is pronounced dead at a hospital, according to police.
[07]Harlem man dies in custody after shoplifting arrest, NYPD and court records say
Gothamist report on the death of Vincent Thoms after he was held at Manhattan Central Booking on March 22, 2026.
Harlem man dies in custody after shoplifting arrest, NYPD and court records sayParagraphs on Thoms's arrest and the police account of his medical emergency
21 days between recorded events
April 2026
2 events
Zamiqua Miller dies at Brooklyn Central Booking after two hospital visits
Incident
Miller, 33, held on drug charges, is found unconscious in a cell. Police say she had been taken to hospitals twice the day before with withdrawal symptoms and discharged back to Central Booking both times.
[08]Woman dies in custody on drug charges at Brooklyn Central Booking, police say
Gothamist report on the death of Zamiqua Miller at Brooklyn Central Booking on April 12, 2026, after two hospital visits for withdrawal symptoms.
Woman dies in custody on drug charges at Brooklyn Central Booking, police sayParagraphs on Miller's hospital visits and how she was foundHector Sierra dies after falling ill at Brooklyn Central Booking
Incident
Sierra, 51, arrested the night before after a fare evasion stop, falls ill at Brooklyn Central Booking and is pronounced dead at a hospital, according to police.
[09]Brooklyn man dies after medical emergency at NYPD holding facility
Gothamist report on the death of Hector Sierra after he fell ill at Brooklyn Central Booking on April 19, 2026.
Brooklyn man dies after medical emergency at NYPD holding facilityParagraphs on Sierra's arrest and the police account of his medical emergency
95 days between recorded events
July 2026
1 event
Medical examiner rules three Central Booking deaths accidents involving drug intoxication
Gothamist reports the medical examiner's findings for Thoms, Miller and Sierra. City Hall says all three were screened by Correctional Health Services and that it is reviewing every stage from arrest through arraignment.
[10]Medical examiner lists acute drug intoxication in all 3 NYPD booking deaths this year
Gothamist report on medical examiner findings in the deaths of Vincent Thoms, Zamiqua Miller and Hector Sierra, with responses from City Hall, the NYPD and the Legal Aid Society.
Medical examiner lists acute drug intoxication in all 3 NYPD booking deaths this yearParagraphs on the medical examiner's findings and the responses from City Hall, the NYPD and the Legal Aid Society
22 days between recorded events
August 2026
1 event
A 64-year-old man dies after a medical emergency at the 25th Precinct
Incident
Police say the man began a medical emergency shortly after being taken into custody at the East Harlem stationhouse and was pronounced dead at a hospital.
[11]64-year-old man dies in police custody after medical emergency, NYPD says
Gothamist report on the death of a 64-year-old man after a medical emergency at the 25th Precinct stationhouse in East Harlem on August 14, 2026.
64-year-old man dies in police custody after medical emergency, NYPD saysParagraphs on the arrest and the police account of the medical emergency
26 days between recorded events
September 2026
1 event
A 48-year-old man dies weeks after a medical episode at Brooklyn Central Booking
Incident
The man had a medical episode in a Central Booking holding cell in August and died at The Brooklyn Hospital Center, according to the NYPD's timeline. Other reports give a different age and dates.
[12]A fifth person dies after a medical emergency in NYPD custody this year
Gothamist report on the death of a 48-year-old man on September 9, 2026, weeks after a medical episode in a holding cell at Brooklyn Central Booking.
A fifth person dies after a medical emergency in NYPD custody this yearParagraphs on the NYPD's timeline of the man's arrest and medical episode
25 days between recorded events
October 2026
2 events
Reginald Newkirk dies after being returned to the 67th Precinct from a hospital
Incident
According to the NYPD, Newkirk, 54, was taken to SUNY Downstate with withdrawal symptoms, discharged back to the precinct, and taken by EMS to Kings County Hospital, where he was pronounced dead early Sunday.
[13]A sixth person dies after falling ill in NYPD custody this year
Gothamist report on Reginald Newkirk's death, based on the NYPD's timeline, with a count of people who died after a medical emergency in NYPD custody in 2026.
A sixth person dies after falling ill in NYPD custody this yearParagraphs on Newkirk's arrest, hospital visit and death, and the list of earlier 2026 deathsNewkirk's brother asks a judge for officers' names and precinct video
Bruce Newkirk petitions Brooklyn state Supreme Court to order the city and the NYPD to turn over officers' names and body camera and precinct footage, and to preserve evidence, as the family considers a wrongful-death claim. The family's lawyer, Marc Battipaglia, says Newkirk "was well enough to be discharged, but he wasn't well enough to survive the night".
[14]Family of Brooklyn man who died in NYPD custody asks judge for precinct video
Gothamist report on the petition Reginald Newkirk's brother filed in Brooklyn state Supreme Court seeking officers' names and precinct video, with the NYPD's account of Newkirk's time in custody.
Family of Brooklyn man who died in NYPD custody asks judge for precinct videoParagraphs on Bruce Newkirk's petition and the comments of the family's lawyer
Claims
Claims separate what was said from what is contested. Follow each source for the original wording and context.
What's disputed
Disputed claim
All but one of the people who died in NYPD custody in 2026 were transferred to or cleared by medical facilities before their deaths.
New York City Police Department
Sources (1)
- Mamdani's approach to the NYPD is not what reform advocates expectedParagraphs on deaths in NYPD custody and the NYPD spokesperson's response
Disputed claim
An internal NYPD investigation found no evidence that Vincent Thoms, Zamiqua Miller or Hector Sierra used drugs while in custody.
New York City Police Department
Sources (1)
- Medical examiner lists acute drug intoxication in all 3 NYPD booking deaths this yearParagraphs on the medical examiner's findings and the responses from City Hall, the NYPD and the Legal Aid Society
Disputed claim
The deaths in NYPD custody are not accidents but the result of systemic neglect, failed policing practices and the city's failure to care for people in its custody.
The Legal Aid Society
Sources (1)
- NYC Public Defenders, Community Groups Unveil Ten-Point Plan to Address Growing Crisis of Deaths in NYPD CustodyQuoted statements from Council Member Tiffany Cabán and public defender leaders
Response record
Responses
Latest recorded positions: 10. Dates: July 28, 2025 to September 10, 2026
Choose one response filter, or select All responses to see the full record.
10 responses on this page
Brooklyn Defender ServicesPublic defender office, in a joint statement with The Legal Aid Society "These incidents underscore the urgent need for reform. Last year, we joined fellow public defenders, advocates, and impacted New Yorkers on the steps of City Hall to put forward a 10-point plan to address the crisis of deaths in or following NYPD custody. We again urge the Mamdani Administration to implement these commonsense reforms without delay."
CondemnedCase context: Is the NYPD failing people who fall ill in its custody?
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Brooklyn Defender Services and the Legal Aid Society said the deaths underscore an urgent need for reform and urged the Mamdani administration to implement the public defenders' ten-point plan on deaths in or following NYPD custody without delay.
Before the statement
The two offices issued the statement after a 48-year-old man who had a medical emergency in NYPD custody at Brooklyn Central Booking in August died on September 9, 2026.
After the statement
The ten-point plan, released by public defender offices in September 2025, calls for independent investigations, medical care in every precinct and courthouse, and an end to custodial arrests for low-level offenses that the law says should get appearance tickets.
Legal Aid, Brooklyn Defender Services Joint Statement on Death of Man Who Suffered Medical Emergency in NYPD Custody at Brooklyn Criminal CourtThird quoted paragraph of the statementA fifth person dies after a medical emergency in NYPD custody this yearParagraphs on the NYPD's timeline of the man's arrest and medical episodeNYC Public Defenders, Community Groups Unveil Ten-Point Plan to Address Growing Crisis of Deaths in NYPD CustodyQuoted statements from Council Member Tiffany Cabán and public defender leadersWhy this label?
The reference point is whether the NYPD and the city are failing people who fall ill in police custody. The statement describes "the crisis of deaths in or following NYPD custody" and urges the Mamdani administration to adopt the defenders' reforms "without delay." That treats current custody practice as failing, so we labeled it Condemned. The closest competing label is Mixed or conditional, which would fit support for further review; it calls for the reforms now.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Zohran MamdaniMayor of New York City, through City Hall spokesperson Sam RaskinDirectly involved"The safety of every person in custody is a top priority for the Mamdani administration ... We are reviewing every stage of the process, from arrest through arraignment, to identify any changes needed to protect the health and safety of everyone who enters the system."
Mixed or conditionalCase context: Is the NYPD failing people who fall ill in its custody?
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A City Hall spokesperson said the safety of people in custody is a top priority for the Mamdani administration and that the city is reviewing every stage from arrest through arraignment to identify changes needed to protect the health and safety of people who enter the system.
Before the statement
Gothamist reported medical examiner findings that the deaths of Vincent Thoms, Zamiqua Miller and Hector Sierra were accidents involving acute drug intoxication. In the same report, a City Hall spokesperson said all three had been screened by Correctional Health Services medical staff after arriving at Central Booking.
After the statement
Raskin said the review would include the NYPD, public defenders, district attorneys and others. In the same report, an NYPD spokesperson said an internal investigation found no evidence that the three used drugs while in custody.
Medical examiner lists acute drug intoxication in all 3 NYPD booking deaths this yearParagraphs on the medical examiner's findings and the responses from City Hall, the NYPD and the Legal Aid SocietyWhy this label?
The reference point is whether the NYPD and the city are failing people who fall ill in police custody. City Hall spokesperson Sam Raskin calls the safety of people in custody "a top priority" and says the city is reviewing every stage from arrest through arraignment "to identify any changes needed". City Hall also said the three people who died had been screened by Correctional Health Services. That pairs an assurance about current care with an open review, so we labeled it Mixed or conditional. The closest competing label is Defended or excused, which would fit a statement that current practice needs no change; this one commits to a review.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Amanda JackPolicy director at The Legal Aid Society, speaking to Gothamist "Once the NYPD chooses to keep someone in custody, it assumes responsibility for that person's well-being ... People experiencing a substance-use crisis or withdrawal need timely medical care, and they should not remain in prolonged police custody while awaiting arraignment on low-level offenses."
CondemnedCase context: Is the NYPD failing people who fall ill in its custody?
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Amanda Jack of the Legal Aid Society said that once the NYPD keeps someone in custody it is responsible for that person's well-being, and that people in a substance-use crisis or withdrawal need timely medical care and should not be held in prolonged police custody while awaiting arraignment on low-level offenses.
Before the statement
Gothamist reported medical examiner findings that the deaths of Vincent Thoms, Zamiqua Miller and Hector Sierra were accidents involving acute drug intoxication. The Legal Aid Society represented Miller.
After the statement
She added, "No charge is more important than a person's life."
Medical examiner lists acute drug intoxication in all 3 NYPD booking deaths this yearParagraphs on the medical examiner's findings and the responses from City Hall, the NYPD and the Legal Aid SocietyWhy this label?
The reference point is whether the NYPD and the city are failing people who fall ill in police custody. Jack says that once the NYPD keeps someone in custody "it assumes responsibility for that person's well-being" and that people in withdrawal "should not remain in prolonged police custody while awaiting arraignment on low-level offenses." That faults how the NYPD holds people in that condition, so we labeled it Condemned. The closest competing label is Mixed or conditional, which would fit support for current screening with added safeguards; she rejects prolonged custody for them on low-level charges.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Jumaane WilliamsPublic Advocate of New York City, in a post from his office's X account"In a humane world, alleged shoplifting would not result in sudden death. We will continue to monitor the inquiry into Vincent Thoms' death in custody. With a new administration in place, the City must urgently move to ensure the safety of all in custody."
CondemnedCase context: Is the NYPD failing people who fall ill in its custody?
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The Public Advocate's office said that in a humane world an alleged shoplifting would not result in sudden death, that it would monitor the inquiry into Vincent Thoms's death in custody, and that the city must urgently act to ensure the safety of everyone in custody.
Before the statement
Vincent Thoms, 51, died on March 22, 2026 after he was held at Manhattan Central Booking on a shoplifting charge. The post shared a Daily News report on his death.
After the statement
The Legal Aid Society, which represented Thoms, had said the day before that he died in NYPD custody while waiting to be arraigned and spent his final moments in a jail cell.
Public Advocate's office post on Vincent Thoms's death in custody (X)Full post, March 24, 2026, 1:06 p.m. EDT.Harlem man dies in custody after shoplifting arrest, NYPD and court records sayParagraphs on Thoms's arrest and the police account of his medical emergencyStatement on the Death of Legal Aid Client Vincent Thoms in NYPD CustodyQuoted statement in the releaseWhy this label?
The reference point is whether the NYPD and the city are failing people who fall ill in police custody. The Public Advocate's office says that in a humane world "alleged shoplifting would not result in sudden death" and that the city "must urgently move to ensure the safety of all in custody". That treats Thoms's death as a failure to keep people in custody safe, so we labeled it Condemned. The closest competing label is Mixed or conditional, which would fit a call to wait for the inquiry; the post also demands urgent action.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
The Legal Aid SocietyPublic defender organization that represented Vincent Thoms, in a press releaseDirectly involved"We are heartbroken to learn of the death of Vincent Thoms, who died yesterday in NYPD custody while waiting to be arraigned on allegations that he stole incense from a CVS — a low-level shoplifting charge. He spent his final moments languishing in a jail cell."
CondemnedCase context: Is the NYPD failing people who fall ill in its custody?
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The Legal Aid Society said Vincent Thoms died in NYPD custody while awaiting arraignment on a low-level shoplifting charge and spent his final moments languishing in a jail cell.
Before the statement
Thoms, 51, died on March 22, 2026 after he was held at 100 Centre Street, which houses Manhattan Central Booking, on a shoplifting charge. The Legal Aid Society represented him.
After the statement
The statement says at least nine New Yorkers died in NYPD custody in 2025.
Statement on the Death of Legal Aid Client Vincent Thoms in NYPD CustodyQuoted statement in the releaseHarlem man dies in custody after shoplifting arrest, NYPD and court records sayParagraphs on Thoms's arrest and the police account of his medical emergencyWhy this label?
The reference point is whether the NYPD and the city are failing people who fall ill in police custody. Legal Aid says Thoms died in NYPD custody while awaiting arraignment on "a low-level shoplifting charge" and that he "spent his final moments languishing in a jail cell." That presents the conditions of his custody as the problem, so we labeled it Condemned. The closest competing label is Mixed or conditional, which would fit a call for answers without a conclusion; the statement draws one.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Michael GerberNYPD Deputy Commissioner for Legal Matters, at a City Council Public Safety Committee hearing "The fact that someone dies any time-- any time someone dies in police custody that is a tragedy. It does not mean that the officers who responded or who had the person in custody necessarily did something wrong."
Defended or excusedCase context: Is the NYPD failing people who fall ill in its custody?
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NYPD Deputy Commissioner Michael Gerber told the City Council that any death in police custody is a tragedy but does not mean that the officers who responded or held the person necessarily did something wrong.
Before the statement
Council Member Tiffany Cabán asked Gerber at a Public Safety Committee hearing whether officers involved in recent deaths in custody had been suspended or placed on modified duty.
After the statement
Gerber said the Force Investigation Division investigates every death in custody, that the NYPD would share its conclusions with the public but not its work product, and that knowingly failing to aid someone in medical distress is serious misconduct.
Transcript of the New York City Council Committee on Public Safety hearing, September 22, 2025Exchanges on deaths in custody, transcript pages 46-47, 91-95 and 109-115Why this label?
The reference point is whether the NYPD and the city are failing people who fall ill in police custody. Gerber calls any death in custody a tragedy but says it "does not mean that the officers who responded or who had the person in custody necessarily did something wrong." That defends officers' handling of people in custody against the inference that the deaths show failure, so we labeled it Defended or excused. The closest competing label is Mixed or conditional, which would fit an acknowledgment of problems alongside the defense; he describes no failures.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
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Lincoln RestlerNew York City Council member for District 33, at a Public Safety Committee hearing"Forty-five deaths in NYPD custody over the last two-plus years. It's a phenomenal number, disturbing number."
CondemnedCase context: Is the NYPD failing people who fall ill in its custody?
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Council Member Lincoln Restler told NYPD officials that 45 deaths in NYPD custody over two years was a phenomenal and disturbing number.
Before the statement
Restler, whose district includes the Brooklyn criminal courthouse where two people died in NYPD custody in 2025, questioned NYPD officials at a Public Safety Committee hearing.
After the statement
He asked whether the NYPD had adequate medical care on site at Brooklyn Criminal Court, called the Force Investigation Division's process opaque, and urged the department to support a bill for courthouse clinics.
Transcript of the New York City Council Committee on Public Safety hearing, September 22, 2025Exchanges on deaths in custody, transcript pages 46-47, 91-95 and 109-115Why this label?
The reference point is whether the NYPD and the city are failing people who fall ill in police custody. Restler calls the 45 deaths in NYPD custody he cited over two years "a phenomenal number, disturbing number" and pressed NYPD officials on medical care at Brooklyn Criminal Court. That treats the deaths as a problem the department must answer for, so we labeled it Condemned. The closest competing label is Mixed or conditional, which would fit a request for information alone; he characterizes the toll and presses for changes.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Tiffany CabánNew York City Council member, in a public defender coalition's press release"The fact that 9 people have died in police custody this year is a horrific indictment of our whole criminal legal system. These deaths aren’t an accident or an aberration. They are systemic failures that should outrage every New Yorker. No one should die waiting for medical care in a jail cell."
CondemnedCase context: Is the NYPD failing people who fall ill in its custody?
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Council Member Tiffany Cabán said the deaths of nine people in police custody that year were a horrific indictment of the criminal legal system, that they were systemic failures rather than accidents, and that no one should die waiting for medical care in a jail cell.
Before the statement
Cabán's statement appeared in a press release from a coalition of public defender offices announcing a ten-point plan to address deaths in NYPD custody.
After the statement
The release says at least nine New Yorkers died in NYPD custody in 2025, three of them while awaiting arraignment.
NYC Public Defenders, Community Groups Unveil Ten-Point Plan to Address Growing Crisis of Deaths in NYPD CustodyQuoted statements from Council Member Tiffany Cabán and public defender leadersWhy this label?
The reference point is whether the NYPD and the city are failing people who fall ill in police custody. Cabán calls the deaths "systemic failures" and says "No one should die waiting for medical care in a jail cell." That attributes the deaths to failures of the system holding people in custody, so we labeled it Condemned. The closest competing label is Mixed or conditional, which would fit a call to wait for investigations; she offers no qualification.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Nydia M. VelazquezU.S. representative for New York's 7th district, in a post on X"Another life stolen by our jail system's brutality. Jimmy Avila died at Rikers just as Musa Cetin and Christopher Nieves lost their lives in NYPD custody. City leadership has failed. Accountability cannot wait. We need transparency, justice, and end to systemic negligence now."
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Rep. Nydia Velázquez linked a death at Rikers Island to the deaths of Musa Cetin and Christopher Nieves in NYPD custody, said city leadership has failed, and called for transparency, justice and an end to systemic negligence.
Before the statement
Jimmy Avila died at Rikers Island. Christopher Nieves died in August 2025 in a Brooklyn courthouse holding cell after he and his lawyer asked for medical attention, and Musa Cetin was found hanged in a cell after an August arrest.
After the statement
On September 15, 2025, Gothamist reported that the Legal Aid Society had written to the city's Department of Investigation about deaths in NYPD custody.
Rep. Nydia Velázquez's post on deaths in city custody (X)Full post, September 8, 2025, 9:11 a.m. EDT.With 5 deaths in NYPD custody this year, public defenders ask who's policing the police?Paragraphs on the Department of Investigation's mandateWhy this label?
The reference point is whether the NYPD and the city are failing people who fall ill in police custody. Velázquez says Christopher Nieves and Musa Cetin "lost their lives in NYPD custody" and that "City leadership has failed." She calls for an end to "systemic negligence". Nieves died after he and his lawyer asked for medical attention. That holds city leadership responsible for deaths in custody, including one that followed requests for care, so we labeled it Condemned. The closest competing label is Mixed or conditional, which would fit a call for answers without a conclusion; she states one.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Nantasha M. WilliamsNew York City Council member for District 27 and sponsor of Int. 98-2024, at a Committee on Criminal Justice hearing"These may feel like isolated cases, but the patterns behind them are not. In New York City, our criminal legal system moves people consistently between precincts, jails, courts, and hospitals, and with each hand-off, the basic responsibility to provide care becomes harder to track, harder to verify and too easy to ignore."
CondemnedCase context: Is the NYPD failing people who fall ill in its custody?
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Council Member Nantasha Williams said deaths in custody follow a pattern, because each hand-off between precincts, jails, courts and hospitals makes the responsibility to provide care harder to track, harder to verify and easier to ignore.
Before the statement
Williams opened a Committee on Criminal Justice hearing on her bill to require a medical clinic in every city criminal court facility, citing the deaths of two men in courthouse cells in March 2025.
After the statement
Correctional Health Services opposed the bill, saying emergencies in court are handled by calling 911.
Transcript of the New York City Council Committee on Criminal Justice hearing on Int. 98-2024, July 28, 2025Opening statement by Council Member Nantasha Williams, transcript pages 6-7Why this label?
The reference point is whether the NYPD and the city are failing people who fall ill in police custody. Williams says each hand-off between precincts, jails, courts and hospitals makes the responsibility to provide care "harder to track, harder to verify and too easy to ignore." That faults how the system cares for people in custody, so we labeled it Condemned. The closest competing label is Mixed or conditional, which would fit support for a narrow fix alone; she describes a pattern of failure.
This label describes the statement's response within the context above.
Sources
(19)
Reporting
Family of Brooklyn man who died in NYPD custody asks judge for precinct video
Relevant passage: Paragraphs on Bruce Newkirk's petition and the comments of the family's lawyer
About this source
Gothamist report on the petition Reginald Newkirk's brother filed in Brooklyn state Supreme Court seeking officers' names and precinct video, with the NYPD's account of Newkirk's time in custody.
- Author
- Charles Lane
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Rep. Nydia Velázquez's post on deaths in city custody (X)
Excerpt
"City leadership has failed. Accountability cannot wait."
About this source
The congresswoman's own post on X about deaths at Rikers Island and in NYPD custody.
- Author
- Nydia Velázquez
- Published
- Accessed
Original post
Public Advocate's office post on Vincent Thoms's death in custody (X)
Excerpt
"In a humane world, alleged shoplifting would not result in sudden death."
About this source
Post on the official X account of New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams's office, sharing a Daily News report on Thoms's death.
- Author
- Office of the Public Advocate
- Published
- Accessed
Original text
Int. 0661-2026: Requiring the department of correction and correctional health services to establish a medical clinic to treat persons transported to a court facility
Relevant passage: Legislation details, sponsors and summary
About this source
City Council legislation record for a bill, sponsored by Council Member Nantasha Williams, that would require a medical clinic in each city criminal court facility. It was introduced on February 12, 2026 and referred to the Committee on Criminal Justice.
- Author
- New York City Council
- Published
- Accessed
Original text
Int. 0754-2026: Requiring the civilian complaint review board to conduct an investigation of any injury or death caused by police action
Relevant passage: Legislation details and history
About this source
City Council legislation record for a bill that would have required the Civilian Complaint Review Board to investigate any injury or death caused by police action. It was introduced and withdrawn on March 10, 2026.
- Author
- New York City Council
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
A fifth person dies after a medical emergency in NYPD custody this year
Relevant passage: Paragraphs on the NYPD's timeline of the man's arrest and medical episode
About this source
Gothamist report on the death of a 48-year-old man on September 9, 2026, weeks after a medical episode in a holding cell at Brooklyn Central Booking.
- Author
- Charles Lane
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
64-year-old man dies in police custody after medical emergency, NYPD says
Relevant passage: Paragraphs on the arrest and the police account of the medical emergency
About this source
Gothamist report on the death of a 64-year-old man after a medical emergency at the 25th Precinct stationhouse in East Harlem on August 14, 2026.
- Author
- Karen Yi
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Brooklyn man dies after medical emergency at NYPD holding facility
Relevant passage: Paragraphs on Sierra's arrest and the police account of his medical emergency
About this source
Gothamist report on the death of Hector Sierra after he fell ill at Brooklyn Central Booking on April 19, 2026.
- Author
- Charles Lane
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Woman dies in custody on drug charges at Brooklyn Central Booking, police say
Relevant passage: Paragraphs on Miller's hospital visits and how she was found
About this source
Gothamist report on the death of Zamiqua Miller at Brooklyn Central Booking on April 12, 2026, after two hospital visits for withdrawal symptoms.
- Author
- Ramsey Khalifeh
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Harlem man dies in custody after shoplifting arrest, NYPD and court records say
Relevant passage: Paragraphs on Thoms's arrest and the police account of his medical emergency
About this source
Gothamist report on the death of Vincent Thoms after he was held at Manhattan Central Booking on March 22, 2026.
- Author
- Charles Lane
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Mamdani's approach to the NYPD is not what reform advocates expected
Relevant passage: Paragraphs on deaths in NYPD custody and the NYPD spokesperson's response
About this source
POLITICO report, syndicated by Yahoo News, on Mayor Mamdani's handling of the NYPD, including deaths in custody in 2026 and the department's response.
- Author
- Joe Anuta
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
Medical examiner lists acute drug intoxication in all 3 NYPD booking deaths this year
Relevant passage: Paragraphs on the medical examiner's findings and the responses from City Hall, the NYPD and the Legal Aid Society
About this source
Gothamist report on medical examiner findings in the deaths of Vincent Thoms, Zamiqua Miller and Hector Sierra, with responses from City Hall, the NYPD and the Legal Aid Society.
- Author
- Charles Lane
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
Legal Aid, Brooklyn Defender Services Joint Statement on Death of Man Who Suffered Medical Emergency in NYPD Custody at Brooklyn Criminal Court
Relevant passage: Third quoted paragraph of the statement
About this source
Joint statement from two public defender offices after a man who had a medical emergency at Brooklyn Criminal Court died on September 9, 2026.
- Author
- The Legal Aid Society and Brooklyn Defender Services
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
Statement on the Death of Legal Aid Client Vincent Thoms in NYPD Custody
Relevant passage: Quoted statement in the release
About this source
Legal Aid Society press release on the death of its client Vincent Thoms after he was held at Manhattan Central Booking.
- Author
- The Legal Aid Society
- Published
- Accessed
Official statement
NYC Public Defenders, Community Groups Unveil Ten-Point Plan to Address Growing Crisis of Deaths in NYPD Custody
Relevant passage: Quoted statements from Council Member Tiffany Cabán and public defender leaders
About this source
Press release from a coalition of New York City public defender offices announcing a ten-point plan on deaths in NYPD custody, issued before the Council's September 22, 2025 hearing.
- Author
- The Bronx Defenders
- Published
- Accessed
Original text
Transcript of the New York City Council Committee on Criminal Justice hearing on Int. 98-2024, July 28, 2025
Relevant passage: Opening statement by Council Member Nantasha Williams, transcript pages 6-7
About this source
Official transcript of the Criminal Justice Committee's hearing on a bill to require medical clinics in city criminal court facilities.
- Author
- New York City Council
- Published
- Accessed
Original text
Transcript of the New York City Council Committee on Public Safety hearing, September 22, 2025
Relevant passage: Exchanges on deaths in custody, transcript pages 46-47, 91-95 and 109-115
About this source
Official transcript of the Public Safety Committee's oversight hearing on NYPD officer discipline and the Civilian Complaint Review Board, where members questioned NYPD officials about deaths in custody.
- Author
- New York City Council
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
With 5 deaths in NYPD custody this year, public defenders ask who's policing the police?
Relevant passage: Paragraphs on the Department of Investigation's mandate
About this source
Gothamist report on public defenders' request for an independent review of 2025 deaths in NYPD custody, including the Department of Investigation's response.
- Author
- Charles Lane
- Published
- Accessed
Reporting
A sixth person dies after falling ill in NYPD custody this year
Relevant passage: Paragraphs on Newkirk's arrest, hospital visit and death, and the list of earlier 2026 deaths
About this source
Gothamist report on Reginald Newkirk's death, based on the NYPD's timeline, with a count of people who died after a medical emergency in NYPD custody in 2026.
- Author
- Ryan Kost
- Published
- Accessed
Cite this record
- Publisher
- The Dispute Index
- Title
- Is the NYPD failing people who fall ill in its custody?
- First published
- Last updated
- Permalink
- https://disputeindex.com/cases/nypd-custody-deaths-medical-care
The Dispute Index. "Is the NYPD failing people who fall ill in its custody?". First published: 2026-10-09. Last updated: 2026-10-09. https://disputeindex.com/cases/nypd-custody-deaths-medical-care