Guard, Ex-Guard Arrested In 2012 Death Of Rikers Inmate
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) — A current and former Rikers Island correction officer have both been charged in an inmate's 2012 beating death, federal prosecutors said.
U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara held a news conference Wednesday announcing the arrests in Ronald Spear's death, WCBS 880's Irene Cornell reported.
Court papers say former guard Brian Coll repeatedly kicked Spear in the head. Current guard Byron Taylor helped restrain Spear and then lied about his role, according to the complaint.
"When the beating finally stopped, Mr. Spear remained on the ground, moaning," Bharara said. "Coll then allegedly grabbed Mr. Spear's head, told him to quote, 'Remember I am the one who did this to you,' close quote, and then dropped Mr. Spear's head to the ground. Mr. Spear died there on the jail floor minutes later."
Spear's death at 52 was ruled a homicide. The criminal complaint says Spear was face-down on the floor as Coll kicked him.
Lawyers say Spear complained that guards retaliated against him for contacting lawyers about his kidney disease treatment.
Spear needed dialysis and walked with a cane. He often complained that he wasn't receiving adequate medical care, 1010 WINS' Juliet Papa reported.
New York City settled a lawsuit last year for $2.75 million stemming from the death.
Spear was awaiting trial.
Bharara said there's a deadline for the city to improve conditions at Rikers Island.
"And that date is June 22, and we fully expect that we will have a resolution by then. And if we don't, then we'll pursue all other options in court," Bharara said.
It's not immediately clear who will represent them.
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