Story perspectives

Rikers Island Inmate Deaths Prompt Investigation and Calls for Transparency

3/30/2026

Summary

Story summary

John Price, a 49-year-old inmate at Riker’s Island, died on Sunday, marking the second death at the facility in less than a week.
Price had requested medical attention before being transported to Elmhurst Hospital, where he died hours later.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Price's death, stressing the importance of transparency.
The previous fatality involved Barry Cozart, 39, who was found in need of medical aid and later pronounced dead.
Both deaths are currently under investigation by the Department of Corrections.

1 of 1

Story summary

John Price, a 49-year-old inmate at Riker’s Island, died on Sunday, marking the second death at the facility in less than a week.
Price had requested medical attention before being transported to Elmhurst Hospital, where he died hours later.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Price's death, stressing the importance of transparency.
The previous fatality involved Barry Cozart, 39, who was found in need of medical aid and later pronounced dead.
Both deaths are currently under investigation by the Department of Corrections.