URGENT UPDATE: A Bronx murder suspect has died from an apparent allergic reaction while incarcerated on Rikers Island, marking the 15th inmate death at the facility this year. Kyron Randall, aged 33, fell ill around 12:10 p.m. on December 21, 2025, at the George R. Vierno Center.
Authorities report that Randall suffered an allergic reaction, but the specific trigger remains undisclosed. He received immediate medical attention before being rushed to Elmhurst Hospital. Despite efforts to save him, Randall was pronounced dead just before 1:00 a.m. on Monday morning.
Correction Commissioner Lynelle Maginley-Liddie confirmed the incident and stated that “this matter will be thoroughly investigated,” extending condolences to Randall’s family. The circumstances surrounding his death raise serious concerns about the conditions within Rikers Island, a facility already under intense scrutiny.
Randall had been arrested on June 30, 2023, on charges of murder for allegedly attacking a 56-year-old man during a dispute inside an apartment building on Fulton Avenue in Morrisania. The victim succumbed to his injuries after slipping into a coma, prompting authorities to upgrade the charges against Randall from assault to murder.
Court records indicate that Randall was committed to the custody of the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene in March 2024, but returned to the Department of Correction (DOC) in July after failing to post $25,000 bail. His trial, originally scheduled for February 2025, has faced multiple postponements, with the next conference set for February 3, 2026.
This incident marks a troubling milestone for Rikers Island, as the 15 deaths in 2025 represent the highest toll since 2022, when 19 inmates died. In compliance with DOC policy, Randall’s death has been reported to several oversight bodies, including the federal monitor for Rikers Island and the state Attorney General’s office.
The future of Rikers Island remains a contentious issue. The facility is set to close by 2027, but challenges persist, including rising inmate populations and delays in the construction of replacement community jails. Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams has expressed doubts about meeting the closure deadline, while incoming Mayor Zohran Mamdani has committed to adhering to the timeline, advocating for reduced jail populations without compromising public safety.
Criminal justice advocates, including Freedom Agenda Co-Director Darren Mack, have decried the latest death, calling it a tragic reminder of the urgent need for reform. “We know very clearly what we need from our incoming mayor – urgent action to stop sending people to this death camp, invest in real community safety, and finally get Rikers closed,” Mack stated.
As the situation develops, the impact of Randall’s death reverberates through the community and beyond, highlighting the critical need for systemic changes in the correctional system. Authorities are expected to face increasing pressure to improve conditions and address the safety of inmates on Rikers Island.
