UPDATE: A Bronx murder suspect, Kyron Randall, tragically died on Rikers Island on Sunday afternoon, marking the 15th inmate death at the troubled facility in 2025. This alarming statistic underscores the ongoing crisis at Rikers, where conditions have drawn widespread scrutiny.
Randall, aged 33, became gravely ill at approximately 12:10 p.m. while incarcerated at the George R. Vierno Center. According to the Department of Correction (DOC), he suffered what is believed to be an allergic reaction, though the specific trigger remains undisclosed. Medical aid was rendered, and Randall was rushed to Elmhurst Hospital. Despite efforts, he was pronounced dead just before 1 a.m. Monday morning.
Correction Commissioner Lynelle Maginley-Liddie confirmed that a thorough investigation into Randall’s death will be conducted, extending condolences to his family. This incident comes as Rikers faces intense criticism over inmate safety and care, raising urgent questions about the facility’s management.
Randall was arrested on June 30, 2023, on murder charges following the fatal assault of a 56-year-old man in a Morrisania apartment building. The victim succumbed to his injuries after slipping into a coma, prompting police to upgrade Randall’s charge from assault to murder.
Court records show that Randall was initially placed in the custody of the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene in March 2024 but was returned to DOC custody in July after failing to post a $25,000 bail. His murder trial, originally slated for February 2025, faced numerous delays, with the next conference scheduled for February 3, 2026.
The deaths of inmates on Rikers Island have surged, with 15 reported fatalities this year alone—the highest number since 2022, when 19 individuals perished. The DOC reported Randall’s death to multiple oversight organizations, including the federal monitor for Rikers Island, Steve Martin, and the state Attorney General’s office.
The future of Rikers Island remains uncertain as debates over its closure intensify. The facility is set to be shuttered by 2027, according to city law. Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams has expressed doubts about meeting this deadline, citing increased inmate populations and delays in constructing replacement jails. However, incoming Mayor Zohran Mamdani has pledged to uphold the law and work towards reducing the jail population.
Criminal justice advocates, including Darren Mack of Freedom Agenda, have condemned the latest death, demanding immediate action to protect inmates. Mack stated, “We know very clearly what we need from our incoming mayor – urgent action to stop sending people to this death camp, invest in real community safety, and finally get Rikers closed.”
As this situation develops, it remains critical for authorities to address the systemic issues plaguing Rikers Island and ensure the safety of all individuals in custody. The urgent call for reform grows louder as the community grapples with the implications of these tragic losses.
