Bronx Triple-Shooting Suspect Dies at Rikers: Self-Defense Claim, Jail Death Raise Alarm

Arrest and Death in Custody

Jimmy Avila, 44, admitted responsibility for a deadly triple shooting at a Bronx apartment that killed 37-year-old Ryan Hines, a porter, and injured two others. He surrendered to police, claiming self-defense, and was held at Rikers Island’s West Facility.([turn0news1], [turn0search10])

But just days later, emergency responders found him unresponsive in his cell—he was pronounced dead at 4:29 p.m. on August 30. His death is under investigation as the city marks its 11th in-custody death this year at the facility.([turn0news1])

Department Responds, Public Demands Answers

The NYC Department of Correction expressed condolences and confirmed standard protocols are being followed, including notifying oversight agencies like the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, Attorney General’s Office, and Department of Investigation.([turn0news1])

Advocacy groups, including The Freedom Agenda, say this is further proof that Rikers Island remains a dangerous, possibly deadly, place—calling for an end to pretrial incarceration and immediate jail reform.