UPDATE: A Bronx murder suspect, Kyron Randall, tragically died on December 21, 2025, while incarcerated on Rikers Island, marking the 15th inmate death at the facility this year. Randall, 33, reportedly suffered an allergic reaction around 12:10 p.m. at the George R. Vierno Center. Despite rapid medical attention and transfer to Elmhurst Hospital, he was pronounced dead just before 1 a.m. on December 22.
The cause of Randall’s allergic reaction remains undisclosed, and the Department of Correction (DOC) has pledged a thorough investigation. Correction Commissioner Lynelle Maginley-Liddie expressed condolences to Randall’s family and emphasized the urgency of the situation.
Randall had been held on murder charges since June 30, 2023, related to the fatal assault of a 56-year-old man during a dispute in an apartment building on Fulton Avenue, Morrisania. The victim, who suffered severe injuries, died after slipping into a coma, prompting authorities to upgrade Randall’s charge to murder.
Court records indicate Randall faced delays in his trial, which was originally set for February 2025 but was postponed multiple times. He spent nearly two years in DOC custody awaiting trial, with his next court appearance scheduled for February 3, 2026.
This incident adds to the growing concerns surrounding the conditions at Rikers Island, which has witnessed a surge in inmate deaths. The current death toll is the highest since 2022, when 19 individuals died under DOC supervision. The DOC has reported Randall’s death to multiple oversight agencies, including the Attorney General’s office and the city Board of Correction.
Critics, including criminal justice advocates, are calling for immediate action to address the alarming conditions on Rikers Island. Darren Mack, Co-Director of Freedom Agenda, condemned the latest death, labeling Rikers a “death camp” and urging incoming Mayor Zohran Mamdani to prioritize inmate safety. “We know very clearly what we need from our incoming mayor – urgent action to stop sending people to this death camp,” Mack stated.
The future of Rikers Island is under intense scrutiny, especially as the city plans to close the facility by 2027. However, the outgoing administration has raised concerns about meeting this deadline due to rising inmate populations and delays in constructing alternative facilities. Mamdani has pledged to follow through on the closure, stating his commitment to reducing jail populations while maintaining public safety.
As investigations continue, the spotlight remains on the urgent need for reform within the DOC to prevent further tragedies. The community and advocacy groups are closely monitoring developments, emphasizing the immediate necessity for change.
For now, the focus is on the tragic loss of life and the pressing need for reform to ensure the safety of those still held within Rikers Island.
