Devernon Legrand
Devernon Legrand, a man who had asthma that his sister said he managed carefully, died at Rikers Island while awaiting trial. His sister said he was otherwise healthy and that she raised him, saying, "I was like a mother to my brother, raising him with me." The family was told he died of an asthma attack and says they never learned an investigation had been opened. A state report found he received inadequate care from Prison Health Services, including a doctor who told him less than an hour before his death that nothing was wrong.
Cause of death, as reported: Died from neglect by staff (disputed). City officials told his family he died of an asthma attack, but a State Commission of Correction report found he received inadequate care from Prison Health Services, including a doctor who told him less than an hour before his death that nothing was wrong.
Reported by: city officials; State Commission of Correction (outside investigators); his family.