Family files lawsuit against city after 20-year-old dies a day after being released from Rikers Island
The family of Ariel Quidone stood alongside their attorneys at a press conference on Thursday afternoon, accusing the city of negligence and demanding accountability in his death, which they say could have been avoided.
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A family is suing the city over the death of a 20-year-old man who died just a day after being released from Rikers Island.
The family of Ariel Quidone stood alongside their attorneys at a press conference on Thursday afternoon, accusing the city of negligence and demanding accountability in his death, which they say could have been avoided.
Ariel Quidone was placed on Rikers Island back on March 6., facing a robbery charge.
Within a week, he was pronounced dead.
Back in March, when News12 sat down exclusively with the family, his sister said they were only made aware that Quidone was in the hospital after searching for his whereabouts on an incarcerated lookup website.
When they finally had a chance to see him, they say Quidone was completely unrecognizable — badly bruised and scarred.
Now they’re asking for more answers from the city — seeking justice for Quidone and others who died in custody.
The Department of Corrections sent News 12 the following statement back in March, 2025:
“A person in our custody experienced a medical emergency on March 13 and aid was quickly provided until he could be transported to Elmhurst Hospital. The following day, he was released from DOC custody while he received medical treatment. We cannot comment on someone’s medical status once they are no longer in DOC’s custody. Our concern for the wellbeing of people in our care is primary.”
However, Quidone’s family disputes claims that he was no longer in DOC custody at the time of his death. They say DOC officers were present at the hospital while he was laying in the bed, even prohibiting them from seeing him at some point.
"Mr. Quidone was displaying obvious signs of appendicitis,” said Marc Battipaglia, an attorney representing the family. “A first-year medical student could have diagnosed him. He had a fever, he was vomiting, and he had abdominal pain. The staff knew about it, but he was left untreated."
“Honestly, there's no words to describe what happened,” said Kaylin Quidone, the sister of Ariel. “He didn't deserve this and I want answers. My family wants answers. We haven't received any answers and we want justice.”
The city has yet to respond to the lawsuit— but Quidone’s family says they won’t stop fighting.
