A Rikers Island inmate who allegedly tried to kill a man by slitting his throat died behind bars Monday, the fifth death in city custody in fewer than two months.
Dashawn Jenkins, 27, succumbed after a medical emergency that night while incarcerated at the Vierno Center at the jail, according to the city Department of Correction.
Hospital staff noticed Jenkins was visibly ill while conducting a tour of cells at 9:18 p.m. and immediately provided emergency medical aid until he was declared dead at 9:56 p.m., the department stated.
“The department is mourning the loss of Mr. Jenkins who passed away in our care on the evening of March 31,” correction Commissioner Lynelle Maginley-Liddle said in a statement. “We share our condolences with his loved ones and will investigate every aspect of this tragedy.”…