NYC Courthouse Holding Cell Death: Man Dies Awaiting Arraignment

Soso Ramishvili, 32, was found dead in a Brooklyn Criminal Court holding cell just an hour before his scheduled arraignment. He had been held for three nights.

<img src="https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/2025-new-york-city-police-100872012.jpg?w=1024" alt="NYPD crime scene unit investigators bring out evidence collected in evidence bags, and personnel from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner bring out the body at the Central Court Building after the death of a prisoner in central booking at 120 Schermerhorn Street in Downtown Brooklyn, New York, United States, on March 21, 2025">

According to police sources, Ramishvili was found slumped over, and despite CPR efforts, was pronounced dead at the scene. The cause of death is currently under investigation.

Ramishvili had been arrested for shoplifting and was also allegedly found with cocaine. His arraignment had been postponed six times. While in custody, he reportedly required medical attention three times for drug-related issues, including drug withdrawals.

<img src="https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/2025-new-york-city-police-100872011.jpg?w=1024" alt="NYPD crime scene unit investigators bring out evidence collected in evidence bags, and personnel from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner bring out the body at the Central Court Building after the death of a prisoner in central booking at 120 Schermerhorn Street in Downtown Brooklyn, New York, United States, on March 21, 2025">

Police sources also cited staffing shortages at city courthouses as a potential factor contributing to the delays in Ramishvili's case. The Legal Aid Society and Brooklyn Defenders are calling for an independent investigation, citing the unconscionable indifference shown to Ramishvili's medical needs. NYC law mandates arraignments within 24 hours of arrest, unless there's a justifiable reason for delay.

<img src="https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/2025-new-york-city-police-100871992.jpg?w=1024" alt="NYPD crime scene unit investigators and the medical examiner pulling a body on a gurney after the death of a prisoner in central booking at 120 Schermerhorn Street in Downtown Brooklyn, New York, United States, on March 21, 2025"><img src="https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/2025-new-york-city-police-100872010.jpg?w=1024" alt="&quot;Central Court Building&quot; sign at 120 Schermerhorn Street in Downtown Brooklyn">

Read their joint statement