NY AG Investigates Civilian Death at Sing Sing

NY Attorney General Press Releases

Filed February 17th, 2026

Detected February 19th, 2026

Summary

New York Attorney General Letitia James' Office of Special Investigation has opened a full investigation into the death of an incarcerated individual at Sing Sing Correctional Facility. The investigation is being conducted under Executive Law Section 70-b, which mandates review of incidents where a peace officer may have caused a civilian's death.

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What changed

The New York Attorney General's Office of Special Investigation (OSI) has initiated a formal investigation into the death of an incarcerated individual at Sing Sing Correctional Facility on June 21, 2025. This action follows a preliminary assessment and the receipt of new information, triggering a mandatory review under Executive Law Section 70-b, which requires OSI to investigate any incident where a police or corrections officer may have caused a civilian's death through an act or omission.

This investigation signifies a potential shift in how deaths within correctional facilities are scrutinized, particularly when an officer's actions or inactions are implicated. While the facts are preliminary, this development underscores the importance of robust internal controls and adherence to protocols within correctional facilities. Affected parties, including state correctional agencies and potentially involved officers, should anticipate scrutiny. The OSI's findings could lead to disciplinary actions or policy changes within the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision.

Source document (simplified)

Attorney General James’ Office of Special Investigation Opens Investigation Into Civilian Death in Westchester County

February 17, 2026

NEW YORK – The New York Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation (OSI) has opened an investigation into the death of a civilian who died on June 21, 2025 at Sing Sing Correctional Facility in Ossining, Westchester County.

On June 21, an incarcerated person hanged himself at Sing Sing Correctional Facility and was pronounced dead shortly thereafter. After the person’s death, OSI conducted a preliminary assessment of the matter, and has now opened an investigation following the receipt of new information.

Pursuant to New York State Executive Law Section 70-b, OSI assesses every incident reported to it where a police officer or a peace officer, including a corrections officer, may have caused the death of a person by an act or omission. Under the law, the officer may be on-duty or off-duty, and the decedent may be armed or unarmed. Also, the decedent may or may not be in custody or incarcerated. If OSI’s assessment indicates an officer may have caused the death, OSI proceeds to conduct a full investigation of the incident.

These are preliminary facts and subject to change.