New York City has agreed to a settlement of over $28 million in a civil rights lawsuit brought forth by Madeline Feliciano, whose grandson attempted suicide while in custody at Rikers Island. The incident, which occurred in November 2019, involved three correction officers and a captain who allegedly delayed helping Nicholas Feliciano for nearly eight minutes after his suicide attempt. The oversight board’s report revealed that Nicholas was left hanging for seven minutes and 51 seconds, resulting in severe brain damage.
The settlement, filed in U.S. District Court in Manhattan, aims to assist Nicholas with his ongoing medical needs following the irreversible damage caused by the incident. Madeline Feliciano emphasized that her grandson’s future has been forever altered, as he will never fully recover from the trauma inflicted upon him. The city’s agreement to pay the substantial amount reflects the severity of the neglect and misconduct that took place at Rikers Island.
In addition to the financial compensation, Madeline Feliciano and her legal representatives are advocating for the closure of Rikers Island. The push to shut down the troubled jail complex gained momentum in 2019 when the New York City Council passed a plan to replace it with four smaller jails across different boroughs by 2026. However, Mayor Eric Adams has raised concerns about public safety and the capacity of the new facilities to accommodate the current jail population.
The indictment of three correction officers and a captain on reckless endangerment and official misconduct charges in 2022 shed light on the systemic issues within the correctional system that need to be addressed. The plea agreements made by two of the guards further underscore the need for accountability and reform to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. Madeline Feliciano’s pursuit of justice for her grandson serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding civil rights and ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals in custody.