2 Rikers officers arrested in connection with 2012 inmate death

REUTERS

10 years ago

Corrections officers work in the Enhanced Supervision Housing Unit at the Rikers Island Correctional facility in New York March 12, 2015. New York City is proposing to reduce violence among inmates at its troubled Rikers Island jail by limiting visitors, adding security cameras and separating rival gangs, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on Thursday. (REUTERS/Brendan McDermid)

NEW YORK — Two corrections officers who have worked at New York City’s Rikers Island jail complex were arrested on Wednesday in connection with the 2012 death of an inmate there.

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara’s office announced the arrest Brian Coll, a former officer, and Byron Taylor, who was still employed at Rikers, on charges that they participated in an assault that led to the death of Ronald Spear.

Anthony Torres, a former correction officer at Rikers Island, has already pled guilty in connection with the case, Bharara’s office said.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.