Michael Lopez died at Rikers Island on July 15, 2022. He was the 11th person to die in NYC DOC custody in 2022. Jennie says her son was a “a lover”. From the age of 11 he struggled with depression, anxiety, and eventually serious addiction. His mother never stopped trying to get him the help he needed. He was 34 years old when he died.

Michael Lopez was born on Thanksgiving Day in 1987. Jennie Rosario-Megibow adopted him right away.

“When they brought him to me, I gave him his first bottle. Usually babies at that age, they don’t have the capacity to hold things. Well, he took his bottle right away. And I said, this kid is a miracle.”

-Jennie Rosario-Megibow, Michael’s mother

Michael as a young child.

Michael as a child and young man.

Michael Lopez is survived by Jennie Rosario-Megibow, Robert Rosario, Carmen Fox, Marcia Rosario, Mario Rosario, Frances Rosario and his best friend Christina Velez among many others who loved him.

In Honor: Lives Lost in City Jail was created for The Legal Aid Society by Phoebe Jones.