Family of Rikers Teen Killed in Jail Sues the City

The lawsuit also names officers and inmates allegedly involved

The family of an 18-year-old inmate beaten to death at Rikers Island has filed a lawsuit against the city, accusing the Department of Correction of failing to protect her son.

Charnel Robinson said Wednesday she hopes that her lawsuit will spur changes in the way the department operates the adolescent jail where her teenage son was killed.

Earlier this year, Robinson said she was planning to sue the city for $20 million.

Christopher Robinson was found dead inside his cell Oct. 18 at the Robert N. Davoren Center. He was being held on a parole violation and his family claims he was working overtime and that was why he was out past his curfew.

Prosecutors have accused three correction officers at the Robert N. Davoren Complex of allowing a "Lord of the Flies'"-style crew of inmates to enforce rules at the jail through violence.

Police have identified three assailants as participating in the fatal beating, but no charges have been filed.

Two Rikers correction officers were put on desk duty as part of the investigation into whether guards turned a blind eye to the attack.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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