Charizma Jones, a 23-year-old inmate at Rikers Island, died after jail staff repeatedly prevented medical workers from treating her. Advocates and records say she had scarlet fever and was left untreated for two days before her death.
Jones was taken to a Queens hospital by EMS over two months ago. The Legal Aid Society and her family’s lawyer, MK Kaishian, are questioning whether the delay in medical care contributed to her death. They are calling for a thorough investigation.
Jones had a rash, a high fever, sore throat, chills, and vomiting. Despite repeated attempts by medical staff to check on her, jail staff refused to let them in, considering her a security risk after she allegedly assaulted an officer.
Jones was finally sent to Elmhurst Hospital on May 6. Her condition worsened over the months, and it became clear she had more serious health issues beyond scarlet fever.
Records show that she might have had an allergic reaction to the antibiotic given for scarlet fever, and she developed a rash and multiple organ failure. She died on July 14.
Jones was from the Bronx and was serving a one-year sentence for assault. The Department of Correction and Correctional Medical Services have not commented on the case.
Mayor Eric Adams expressed sympathy for her family and called for a review of the situation, though he noted she did not die on Rikers Island.