NEW YORK – The family of a Rikers Island inmate who allegedly was fatally beaten by jail guards four years ago has settled a lawsuit against New York City for $1.25 million.
But Angel Ramirez family attorney Scott Rynecki said Monday criminal charges still should be pursued.
The 50-year-old Ramirez died of numerous blunt-impact injuries, including a ruptured spleen. Investigators found he was going through heroin withdrawal in 2011 when he was dragged by guards to an area without surveillance cameras after a confrontation with another guard.
Bronx prosecutors have said they investigated the death but didn't believe they could prove criminal homicide beyond a reasonable doubt.
A Law Department spokeswoman said in a statement the settlement is in the best interest of all parties.
The Daily News first reported the settlement.