On Rikers Island, a suspected package thief passed away while in custody on Tuesday, just a day after another inmate experienced a fatal medical incident at the same facility.
Umays Khan, 40, was allegedly involved in stealing packages from a building in SoHo earlier this month. Reports indicate that he was found unresponsive in bed at the Eric M. Singer Center shortly before 11 a.m.
The Department of Corrections (DOC) reported that staff promptly initiated CPR until medical personnel could arrive a few minutes later.
Unfortunately, efforts to save Khan were unsuccessful, and he was pronounced dead around 11:20 a.m., according to officials.
Khan had been arrested on May 5 for allegedly breaking into an apartment at McDougal and Prince streets and stealing packages the day prior, as noted by the NYPD.
His criminal history reportedly includes 21 arrests, primarily for robbery, petty theft, and grand larceny.
In a statement, DOC Secretary Stanley Richards expressed sorrow over the incident, saying, “We are truly devastated by the loss of someone in our care. This tragedy is felt by all of our service members.” He also extended condolences to Khan’s family and mentioned the ongoing investigation into the circumstances of the death.
The day before Khan’s death, Rajpathi Ramkhelawan, 41, who was held at the Rose M. Singer Center, suffered a medical emergency, as reported by the DOC.
Medical help was provided, yet Ramkhelawan was pronounced dead at 11:15 a.m. this particular day.
This year alone, the police noted that Ramkhelawan had been arrested multiple times for various robberies and thefts, including parcel theft.
Investigations into the specific causes of both deaths are currently ongoing.
The DOC has informed various authorities regarding these incidents, including the federal monitor, the city bureau of investigation, and the district attorneys from the Bronx and Queens, among others.
As of now, four deaths have been reported in DOC custody this year.
Earlier, Barry Cozart, 39, who was in custody on suspicion of robbery and theft, died on March 25 after correctional officers discovered he needed medical assistance.
Additionally, just three days later, John Price, 49, who was under suspicion of leading a drug ring, reported to guards that he required medical attention. Price was subsequently taken to Elmhurst Hospital Center for treatment, but—tragically—his life could not be saved.
