The Legal Aid Society is mourning the loss of Charizma Jones, a Legal Aid client who passed away shortly after she was released from New York City Department of Correction (DOC) custody.

Ms. Jones, who was only 23 years old, was incarcerated at Rikers Island, when she experienced a medical emergency but was shunned by DOC officers and deprived of initial care. Subsequently, her condition worsened, and she was transferred to a local hospital.

“The circumstances surrounding Ms. Jones’ death warrants transparency and an expeditious and independent investigation,” reads a statement from Legal Aid. “We demand that any correction officers who blocked her access to medical care face immediate suspension, and DOC must preserve all evidence – including recent camera footage – that exists of Ms. Jones during her time in custody.”

“With each of these tragedies, City Hall and DOC leadership routinely deny defense counsel, the client’s family, and the general public the most basic information on exactly what transpired. This is cruel and unacceptable, and DOC must be held accountable for their actions in Ms. Jones’ final hours,” the statement continues. “Our heart aches for her friends, family, community, and all those New Yorkers who have been impacted by the death of a loved one as a result of the City’s jail system.”