Family of Rikers Fatal Beating Victim to Sue

Family also wants a probe of whether guards were involved

The family of an 18-year-old inmate beaten to death at Rikers Island is planning to sue the city for $20 million, a lawyers said Thursday.

The teen's mother also urged authorities to press their investigation into the possible involvement of correction officers in the fatal assault, the Daily News reported.

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.

Sanford Rubenstein, the family's lawyer, said Thursday the family intends to sue the city and the Department of Correction for $20 million dollars for negligence and failing to provide proper safety and security at the jail.

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

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

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