Family of Elijah Muhammad, who died on Rikers Island, call for criminal investigation

Family of man who died in Rikers Island holds rally

NEW YORK -- The family of a man who died on Rikers Island held a rally Friday, calling for a criminal investigation.

Relatives of 31-year-old Elijah Muhammad and their supporters gathered in front of a mosque on West 116th Street.

Muhammad was found dead inside Rikers in July. His family says he overdosed on fentanyl.

"How is it that in a 24-hour secure facility, OK, it was complete disregard for his mental illness, as well as medical care?" one woman said.

"We want any correction officer who played a part in this wrongful death to be held accountable criminally," family attorney Sanford Rubenstien said.

READ MORE: DOC officer fired after 9th person dies on Rikers Island this year

The city's Department of Correction fired an officer after the death.

Muhammad's family has indicated they would file a $25 million lawsuit against the city.

CBS2 contacted the city for a response, and we're waiting to hear back.

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