Bronx murder suspect’s family files legal motion for information after his suicide in Rikers Island jail.

The family of a Bronx man who died by hanging on Rikers Island shortly after his arraignment for allegedly murdering a building superintendent has initiated legal action to compel New York City to disclose documents related to his death.

The deceased, Jimmy Avila, aged 44, was arraigned on August 29 and found dead the following day in a cell at the West Facility on Rikers Island. Court records indicate that Avila had been incarcerated for less than 24 hours before his death. His family contends that Avila, who had a known history of mental health issues, was placed in a solitary cell with access to bedsheets despite being identified as suicidal by Correction Department officials.

The family’s legal filing is focused on obtaining an array of records associated with Avila’s incarceration and subsequent death. Jimmy’s brother, a captain in the Correction Department who was on duty at Rikers when the incident occurred, has expressed concern regarding the circumstances leading to his brother’s death.

The family argues that given Avila’s mental health struggles, it was imperative that he be placed on suicide watch and provided with appropriate mental health interventions. The absence of such measures, they assert, contributed directly to the tragic outcome.

In the days leading to his initial incarceration, Avila had been involved in a shooting incident at his Bronx apartment complex, allegedly stemming from an ongoing dispute with the superintendent. This confrontation resulted in the death of 37-year-old Ryan Hines and left another individual, 62-year-old Orlando Nieves, injured. Following the incident, Avila did not surrender to law enforcement immediately, choosing instead to speak with local media about the circumstances leading to the shooting.

Avila’s family reports that their attempts to secure mental health assistance for him over the years were met with challenges, leading to periods of instability in his living situation. They describe him as a compassionate advocate for those facing housing and mental health challenges, noting that he frequently aided vulnerable members of the community.

The recent legal motion seeks not only the documentation and footage of Avila’s time at Rikers but also assurances that no evidence will be altered or destroyed. This legal pursuit is viewed by the family as a necessary step in seeking justice for Avila and raising awareness regarding the treatment of mentally ill individuals within the correctional system.

An autopsy conducted by the city Medical Examiner’s office is currently pending, with the results expected to provide further insights into the circumstances surrounding Avila’s death. As of now, his case adds to the troubling statistic of twelve deaths linked to city jails in the current year, prompting calls for reform and greater accountability within the system.

As this legal process unfolds, the family hopes to advocate for more robust protections for individuals suffering from mental health issues in correctional facilities.