2026

News Items

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.