Julian Pagan
Julian Pagan, 29, was found unresponsive in a holding cell at a Bronx courthouse on Friday, July 24, 2026, after a court appearance, and was taken to Lincoln Hospital, where he died. His cousin Jose remembers him as a great kid who always wanted to help people and made people laugh, and his father Julio said he touched everyone he met. The New York City Department of Correction said an autopsy would determine how he died and that it would investigate along with state and city authorities, while the state Attorney General's office is also reviewing the death. His Legal Aid attorney, Samantha Brugger, said he was alert and engaged in court hours earlier and showed no signs of a medical emergency, and his family is demanding a full and transparent accounting.
Cause of death, as reported: Cause not yet determined (disputed). The city Department of Correction said an autopsy would determine the cause, and his Legal Aid attorney says he was alert and showed no signs of a medical emergency in court hours earlier, and his family is demanding a full accounting.
Reported by: New York City Department of Correction (the agency that held him); his Legal Aid attorney (family or their lawyers); his family.
Sources (6)
- DOC inmate, 29, dies while being held in Bronx courthouse holding cell
- UPDATE Man Held on Rikers Island Dies
- Man dies in custody after arraignment at Bronx Criminal Court; Legal Aid attorney, city officials seek answers
- 29-year-old man dies in DOC custody inside Bronx courthouse holding cell
- Death of NYC man in city custody in Bronx courthouse frustrates reform advocates
- Family Advocates Hold Vigil For Man Who Died In Doc Custody Outside Bronx Hall Of Justice