2026

News Items

Death in Custody of Mr. Lopez Castillo

For Immediate Release: September 17, 2026

The New York City Board of Correction extends its heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Luis Alberto Lopez Castillo, who passed in Department of Correction custody on September 16. The Board is conducting an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mr. Lopez Castillo’s death and will make its findings and recommendations public. Through this work, the Board will continue to identify and address systemic conditions within the City’s jails and recommend reforms to the Department of Correction and Correctional Health Services that promote the safety, dignity, and well-being of all people in custody. Mr. Lopez Castillo’s death is part of a broader trend of deaths occurring in custody, underscoring the urgent need for continued independent oversight and examination of the policies and systems intended to protect the safety and well-being of people in custody. This trend warrants continued scrutiny of the conditions and practices responsible for the safety and care of people in custody. The Board remains committed to fulfilling its independent oversight responsibilities and advancing safer, fairer, smaller, and more humane jails for New York City.

New York City Board of Correction Notice of Changes to the Board

For Immediate Release: September 11, 2026

Former Chair and Board Member Dwayne C. Sampson resigned from the New York City Board of Correction (“BOC” or “Board”) effective October 30, 2026.
The Board extends its gratitude to Mr. Sampson for his service and commit-ment to the Board’s mission. Mr. Sampson was first appointed to the Board on September 22, 2022 and served as Chair from April 2025 until May 2026.

Mr. Sampson served on the Board’s Committee on Death, Near Death, and Se-rious Injuries, stressing the importance of better-staffed posts and the need to address discrepancies between DOC and CHS regarding medical emergency alerts. Mr. Sampson also served on the Board’s Programs and Education Com-mittee, reviewing variance requests concerning correspondence and pack-ages rules.

The health and safety of people in custody was one of his highest priorities as Chair, including safe housing and timely access to healthcare. The Board is grateful for the experience and perspective Mr. Sampson brought to his role. We thank him for his dedicated service and wish him continued success in his future endeavors.

Download the Full Press Release Here

Death in Custody of Mr. Clarence Woodward

For Immediate Release: August 28, 2026

The New York City Board of Correction mourns the passing of Clarence Woodward and extends its sincere condolences to his family, friends, and loved ones. Mr. Woodward’s death at the age of 41 underscores the profound responsibility to safeguard the health, safety, and well-being of every person in the City’s custody. The Board will conduct an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death and publicly report its findings, including any recommendations necessary to strengthen practices and prevent similar tragedies. Through this work, the Board will continue to hold the correctional system accountable to its Minimum Standards and its obligation to provide safe and humane conditions for all people in custody.

Death in Custody of Mr. Christopher Rodriguez

For Immediate Release: August 20, 2026

The New York City Board of Correction extends its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Christopher Rodriguez. The Board is investigating Mr. Rodriguez’s death and will publicly report its findings and recommendations to both the Department of Correction and Correctional Health Services to address systemic issues, prevent future tragedies, and ensure the safety and welfare of all people in custody. Any death of a person in custody is deeply concerning, and the Board will remain steadfast in fulfilling its role to carry out independent oversight and enact regulations to support safer, fairer, smaller, and more humane NYC jails.

Remembering the Lives and Service of Captain Keisha Nicks and Correction Officer Noreen O’Connor

For Immediate Release: August 18, 2026

The New York City Board of Correction extends its deepest condolences to the families, friends, colleagues, and loved ones of Captain Keisha Nicks and Correction Officer Noreen O’Connor.

Captain Nicks dedicated 22 years to the New York City Department of Correction and was known for her compassion and commitment to supporting her fellow members of service, particularly through her work with the Department’s Correction Assistance Response for Employees (C.A.R.E.) Unit. Officer O’Connor served the Department for an extraordinary 44 years, becoming its longest-serving female correction officer and leaving a lasting impact on generations of colleagues through her professionalism, mentorship, and dedication. Their decades of public service and commitment to those around them will not be forgotten.

The Board recognizes the tremendous loss felt across the Department of Correction community and joins the many colleagues, friends, and family members mourning their passing. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to all who knew and loved Captain Nicks and Officer O’Connor during this difficult time.

Statement on Deaths in Custody This Week

For Immediate Release: May 20, 2026

The Board of Correction ("Board") is saddened by the deaths of Rajpattie Ramkellawan and Umais Khan, marking the third and fourth deaths in New York City Department of Correction ("DOC") custody in 2026. The Board is deeply troubled by the loss of four fellow New Yorkers this year.

Ms. Ramkellawan, 41, died on Monday, May 18, 2026, at approximately 11:13 am, following a medical emergency. Ms. Ramkellawan had been in DOC custody, and housed at the Rose M. Singer Center, since March 19, 2026.

Mr. Khan, 40, died on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at approximately 11:21 am. Mr. Khan had been in DOC custody, and housed at the Eric M. Taylor Center, since May 7, 2026.

Interim Chair Franco, Board members, and staff express their heartfelt condolences to their families, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time.

The Board is investigating Ms. Ramkellawan’s and Mr. Khan’s deaths, as well as the deaths of Barry Cozart and John Price earlier this year. As customary, the Board will publicly report its findings and recommendations to both DOC and Correctional Health Services to address systemic issues and prevent future tragedies.

Based on long-standing practices and the New York City Charter’s mandate, the Board is the first among oversight agencies to publicly bring the circumstances of these tragic events to light in timely reporting and discussion at public meetings, the Board remains committed to increasing transparency and conducting independent investigations.

Download the Full Press Release Here

Notice of Changes to the Board

For Immediate Release: May 11, 2026

New York, NY – Effective May 11, 2026, Felipe Franco will serve as the Board of Correction’s Interim Chair. Interim Chair Franco was initially appointed to the Board by former Mayor de Blasio in October 2019.

The Board thanks Board Member Dwayne Sampson for his service as Chair since January 2023.

Board Welcomes Frank Schneiger

For Immediate Release: May 11, 2026

On May 11, 2026, the presiding justices of the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court for the First and Second Judicial Departments, in joint nomination with the Mayor, appointed Frank Schneiger as a member of the New York City Board of Correction for the remainder of a six-year term that will expire on October 13, 2027.