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
Timeline
15 timeline entries on this page. Dates: July 28, 2025 to October 7, 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
3 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 lawyerNYPD cites medical transfers and clearances in its response
Reaction
An NYPD spokesperson tells POLITICO that all but one of the detainees were transferred to or cleared by medical facilities before dying. The report also cites medical-examiner findings of acute drug intoxication in three deaths.
[15]Mamdani's approach to the NYPD is not what reform advocates expected
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.
Mamdani's approach to the NYPD is not what reform advocates expectedParagraphs on deaths in NYPD custody and the NYPD spokesperson's response
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.
2 responses on this page
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?
Read more
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.
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?
Read more
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.
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