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An inmate awaiting trial on Rikers Island was found dead at the city’s jail Tuesday morning.
Esias Johnson, 24, was found unresponsive by a correction officer touring the jail at 9:45 a.m., officials said. Johnson is suspected to have died of a drug overdose, according to sources. An autopsy will determine the official cause of death.
“The circumstances surrounding this death will receive a full investigation. We have been in touch with Esias Johnson’s next of kin, and extend our deepest condolences,” DOC Commissioner Vincent Schiraldi said in a statement.
Johnson was arrested in Queens last month on a fugitive arrest warrant and charged with menacing, officials said. In 2019, he was charged with criminal impersonation, making a terroristic threat and aggravated harassment, according to officials.
He was due in court on Wednesday, jail records show.
The 24-year-old is the ninth inmate who died at the beleaguered jail this year, which is set to be closed in favor of smaller jails in the boroughs by 2027.
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