Another inmate has died in the custody of the Department of Corrections, making it the 15th inmate this year.
Gregory Acevedo, 48, took a jump into the East River
to attempt an escape Tuesday, according to the Department of Corrections.
Acevedo was being held at the Vernon C. Bain Facility, also known as “The Boat” – a jail barge docked off of Hunts Point in the East River right across from Rikers Island. The DOC says Acevedo climbed the jail's recreation yard fence then jumped into the East River.
Officials got Acevedo out of the water. The DOC told News 12 Acevedo died Tuesday at the Mount Sinai Hospital at 10:59 p.m. with the cause of the death unknown.
Acevedo was in custody since Feb. 27, 2022 on a robbery charge.
So far this year, at least 15 people have died while in custody of the Department of Corrections or shortly after being released. Abolitionist groups have been saying they fear the number will continue to grow and may even surpass last year's deadly number of 16 people.