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An investigation is underway following the death of Aramis Furse, a 32-year-old inmate at Rikers Island, who died on Sunday after being found looking unwell. Furse, who was held at the Otis Bantum Correctional Center, was discovered by a correction officer around 2 a.m. and was subsequently taken to Mount Sinai Queens Hospital, where he was pronounced dead about 90 minutes later, according to the Department of Correction.
Furse's death marks the 14th in-custody death at New York City jails this year. The Department of Correction has expressed condolences to Furse's family and promised a full investigation into the incident. Furse had pending criminal cases in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens on charges including robbery and burglary, and was being held on a $150,000 bond.
The death of Furse follows the recent death of another Rikers inmate, Edwin Ramos, who died on November 21 after being found in medical distress. The Legal Aid Society reported that Ramos was scheduled to take a plea deal that would have facilitated his release.
The high number of deaths at Rikers Island has drawn criticism from advocacy groups, such as the Katal Center for Equity, Health, and Justice, which accuses the Department of Correction of failing to ensure the safety and well-being of inmates. The city is also facing a federal class action lawsuit over alleged failures to address violence and staff use of force in the jail system.
The New York Post reports that the city is awaiting a decision from a federal judge on the appointment of an outside manager to oversee parts of the jail system. Meanwhile, advocates continue to push for stronger oversight and reforms to improve conditions at Rikers Island.
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