Angel Ramirez
Angel Ramirez, 50, died in July 2011 after he was held at Rikers Island in New York City. The medical examiner ruled his death a homicide, citing multiple rib fractures and a lacerated spleen. His family's lawsuit, brought by attorney Scott Rynecki, says he was fatally beaten by jail guards in an area without surveillance cameras after a confrontation with a guard. Officers said they used no force on him, and the city agreed to pay $1.25 million to settle the lawsuit, while prosecutors said they could not prove criminal homicide beyond a reasonable doubt.
Cause of death, as reported: Killed by staff (disputed). The medical examiner ruled his death a homicide from blunt-impact injuries, and inmate witnesses described hearing a beating by officers; the officers said they used no force on him, and the family's lawsuit alleges he was fatally beaten by guards, which the city settled for $1.25 million without criminal charges.
Reported by: medical examiner or coroner; Associated Press investigation (reporters); family attorney Scott Rynecki (family or their lawyers); inmate witnesses; Bronx prosecutors (outside investigators).
Lawsuit: His family sued over his death at Rikers Island, and the city agreed to pay $1.25 million to settle the lawsuit.