An inmate died at Rikers Island on Saturday morning, marking the ninth death at the troubled New York City facility this year.
Ardit Billa, 29, who was incarcerated for robbery, was found “unresponsive” around 12:25 AM by an officer conducting a routine check at the George R. Beer Center.
Despite the prompt response from medical personnel who attempted emergency procedures, he was pronounced dead shortly before 1 AM.
“On behalf of the NYC Department of Corrections, I express my sincere condolences to Mr. Villa’s family, friends, and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,” stated Documel McGinley Liddy.
He added, “The loss of life under our care is a tragedy, and we are dedicated to thoroughly reviewing the circumstances of this incident.”
Billa was admitted to Rikers on February 23 after facing two separate charges in January—one for assault involving weapons, and another for robbery, criminal mischief, and possession of stolen property.
This latest death brings the total at the city-run correction facility to nine, surpassing the five inmates who died in a brief stint at a Bronx facility in 2024.
Last month, 33-year-old Edwin Kispe was discovered deceased on the bathroom floor of the Eric M. Taylor Center after a medical emergency.
Additionally, 51-year-old Christian Colad, who had cancer, passed away in Bellevue Hospital’s prison in July, and in late June, two inmates died on the same day.
Benjamin Kelly, 37, was found in medical distress and later died at the Eric M. Taylor Center, while 56-year-old James Maldanad had a medical emergency on the way back to Rikers after being discharged from the hospital.
Despite ongoing challenges, the facilities have been under federal oversight since 2015.
