Northeast
Judge rules New York state prisons violate law by holding inmates in solitary confinement too long
The New York state prison system has been violating state law by holding inmates in solitary confinement for longer than permitted, according to a state judge.
In a decision filed Thursday, State Supreme Court Justice Kevin Bryant said the state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, or DOCCS, did not offer sufficient evidence against accusations that it has not adhered to the restrictions on solitary confinement outlined in state law.
“DOCCS has the responsibility to submit an administrative record that supports their actions and they have failed to meet this burden,” Bryant wrote.
The ruling comes after the New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) and Prisoners’ Legal Services of New York filed a class action lawsuit last year alleging DOCCS frequently ignored the state’s Humane Alternatives to Long-Term Solitary Confinement Act that was signed into law in 2021 by then-Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
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A solitary confinement cell is seen at New York City’s Rikers Island jail, Jan. 28, 2016. (AP)
“No one is above the law — that includes prison officials,” the NYCLU said in a statement posted Thursday on X. “We’ll be watching closely to ensure DOCCS starts complying with the law.”
DOCCS said in a statement to The Associated Press that it is reviewing the judge’s decision, and pointed to some recent changes made by the department since Commissioner Daniel Martuscello took over a year ago. This includes updates to the agency’s segregated confinement policies, such as additional steps of review like the new “Confinement Justification Record Form” that must be completed and signed by all review officers, hearing officers and superintendents.
Solitary confinement in most cases is limited to three consecutive days, or six days in any given 30-day period, according to state law.
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The New York state prison system has been violating a state law that limits the time an inmate can spend in solitary confinement, a state judge ruled. (Getty Images)
However, prisoners can face solitary confinement for longer periods of time for “heinous and destructive” actions, including injuring someone or acquiring a deadly weapon. Those cases allow an extended limit of 15 consecutive days, or 20 days in a 60-day period.
In the lawsuit, the advocacy groups accused DOCCS of holding inmates in solitary confinement even though they fail to meet the narrow criteria outlined in the law.
One plaintiff, Luis Garcia, said he was sentenced to 730 days in solitary confinement after throwing what was believed to be bodily fluids at guards, which the advocacy groups say did not meet the criteria for solitary confinement.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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Pittsburg, PA
2 young girls found dead in suitcases in Cleveland, police say
The bodies of two young girls were found inside suitcases in Cleveland, Ohio, police said on Tuesday.
In a press conference, Cleveland Police Chief Dorothy Todd said on Tuesday that the bodies of the two girls were found in suitcases buried in shallow graves on Monday evening. One of the girls was believed to be between the ages of 8 and 13 years old, while the other was believed to be 10 to 14 years old. Neither girl was identified as of Tuesday night.
“This is a priority,” Todd said during Tuesday’s press conference. “This is a traumatic event for our officers, for the community, and this is just such a tragic incident, but we are trying to develop any leads we can.”
Police said there are no active missing persons reports in Cleveland that match the two victims.
Officials said someone walking their dog near East 162nd Street and Midland Avenue found what appeared to be a body inside a suitcase around 6 p.m. on Monday. When officers responded to the scene near Ginn Academy, they found one of the bodies stuffed in a suitcase in a shallow grave. The second shallow grave with the body stuffed in a suitcase was found after officers searched the area.
“This is a field close to the school over there,” Todd said. “This is just a residential neighborhood that I’m sure a lot of people do frequent.”
The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office has custody of the bodies and will identify the girls. Todd said there is no clear indication of possible causes of death for the girls or how long the girls were there.
“It was some time, so it’s not something that was recent,” Todd said.
There is no suspect, Todd added. Anyone with information can contact the Cleveland police at 216-623-5464.
“Usually in residential areas, you know what’s happening in your neighborhood, something just seems a little bit off,” Todd said. “That’s why we’re asking that anyone who has anything that they believe to be information directly related to or suspicious, that they give us a call.”
Connecticut
Multiple cars involved in crash on I-84 in Hartford
A multi-vehicle crash temporarily close Interstate 84 on Tuesday night.
The crash happened around 8:30 p.m. and involved four cars, according to the Hartford Fire Department.
Fire crews arrived at the scene and helped one of the drivers who was trapped. The driver was then taken to a local hospital for evaluation and treatment.
Four other people reported minor injuries but declined ambulance treatment at the scene, officials said.
I-84 East was temporarily shut down as crews responded but has since reopened.
The Connecticut State Police is investigating the crash.
Maine
Maine competition gives creative entrepreneurs the chance to win money
BANGOR, Maine (WABI) – If you’ve ever wondered what goes into pitching a good business idea, you might want to stop by a Big Gig event.
The Big Gig Entrepreneurship Pitch Off brings professionals from across the state together to network and pitch their early-stage business ideas for a chance to win $500.
Tuesday’s competition was held at the Salty Brick Market in Bangor, and it drew a lot of spectators.
“The winners of each semifinal event get $500 and the opportunity to compete for $5,000, so that can make a huge impact on a business that’s just getting off the ground,” said Renee Kelly, a Big Gig organizer.
The winner of the competition, Colin McGuire, was also grateful for the opportunity to showcase his idea “Art on Tap,” which would connect local artists with local venues trying to put on events.
“The support tonight is huge, and it’s just giving me more enthusiasm for running with the idea,” he said.
The season finale of the competition will be held May 19th.
The location is yet to be determined.
If you’d like to apply to compete in the contest, you can go to biggig.org.
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