41-year-old woman dies in custody at Rikers Island; third death reported this year
According to their statement, Ramkellas was being held at the Rose M. Singer Center when she experienced a medical emergency on Monday
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A 41-year-old woman has died while in custody at Rikers Island.
The Department of Corrections and Community Supervision released a statement identifying her as Rajpattie Ramkellawan.
According to their statement, Ramkellas was being held at the Rose M. Singer Center when she experienced a medical emergency on Monday.
She was pronounced deceased just before 11:15 a.m.
Ramkellawan is the third death of an incarcerated person this year.
“Above all else, Rajpattie Ramkellawan was gentle and kind. She never lost her childlike innocence despite encountering unimaginable trauma and adversity.” said Mental Health Attorney Specialist Katherine LeGeros Bajuk, who represented Ramkellawan.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani also released a statement on X calling for transparency and reaffirming his goal to improve conditions in city jails and closing Rikers.
An investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of death.
