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Inmate Beaten to Death: Family Devastated Before Release

3/7/2026

50 8 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Melvin Rivas Inoa, a New Jersey inmate at Northern State Prison, was beaten to death in his cell after allegedly screaming for help for two days.
Abdul J. Bryant, Inoa's cellmate, has been charged with murder.
An investigation by the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office and the New Jersey Department of Corrections is underway amid concerns about prison supervision.
Inoa's family expressed devastation because he was due for release soon.

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Story summary

Melvin Rivas Inoa, a New Jersey inmate at Northern State Prison, was beaten to death in his cell after allegedly screaming for help for two days.
Abdul J. Bryant, Inoa's cellmate, has been charged with murder.
An investigation by the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office and the New Jersey Department of Corrections is underway amid concerns about prison supervision.
Inoa's family expressed devastation because he was due for release soon.