Family of man who died by suicide on Rikers Island files wrongful death suit against city

Curtis Davis was incarcerated at the jail for 54 days and lawyers say while he was there, Davis asked for mental health help several times — saying he heard voices in his head and expressed suicidal thoughts.

Natalie Hernandez

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Nov 1, 2024, 2:16 AM

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Updated 15 days ago

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Curtis Davis died by suicide on Rikers Island in 2023.

Davis was incarcerated at the jail for 54 days and lawyers say while he was there, Davis asked for mental health help several times — saying he heard voices in his head and expressed suicidal thoughts.

A Department of Correction investigation found that on the day Davis took his own life, correction officers left his cell unsupervised for several hours.

Investigators found his cell windows were also improperly covered, obstructing any officer's view inside.

Lawyers say logs used to monitor tours by officers of the units were also inaccurately kept.

Following the investigation, a prison warden and two officers were suspended for not doing their jobs properly.

Family members tell News 12 they believe Davis's death could have been prevented.

"If he is asking for help, that means that he means it," said his daughter.

"We don't want anything to be swept under the rug, especially when it pertains to his life. He mattered to a lot of people," she said.

News 12 reached out to the Department of Correction and it referred News 12 to the city's Law Department, which said it will be reviewing the case.

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