News

NYC Department of Correction Notification of a Death in Custody

Statement from NYC Correction Commissioner Stanley Richards:

“An individual in our care passed away early on Aug. 25. Our department mourns the loss of Clarence Woodward and we share our deepest condolences with his family and loved ones. This tragedy will be thoroughly investigated.”

Background from the NYC Department of Correction:

At approximately 5 a.m. on Aug. 25, a correction officer conducting a tour at the Robert N. Davoren Center called for a medical emergency on behalf of Mr. Clarence Woodward, 41. Officers rendered aid and, following the arrival of medical support and EMS, Mr. Woodward was pronounced deceased at 5:40 a.m.

The Department has notified the Remediation Manager, Federal Monitor, the Board of Correction, the State Attorney General’s Office, the City Department of Investigation, the State Commission of Correction, the Office of Chief Medical Examiner, the Bronx District Attorney and Mr. Woodward 's attorney.

Mr. Woodward self-reported his race as black.