A former corrections’ captain at the Manhattan Detention Complex, also known as The Tombs, has been arrested and charged in connection with the suicide of an inmate that occurred six months ago.
Prosecutors said that Rebecca Hillman, an 8-year veteran of the department, acted in a “callous disregard” for inmate Ryan Wilson’s life as he hung himself inside his cell on Nov. 20, 2020.
The 38-year-old had ordered Wilson to be transferred to another cell following an argument with another prisoner but Wilson protested her decision and threatened to kill himself.
He called an officer over and told him about his plans after fashioning a noose out of his bedsheet and fixed it to the cell’s lamp.
The officer reported Wilson’s acts to Hillman who did not care and continued working on some papers.
Shortly later, Wilson hung himself, and Hillman was alerted, but she still refused to open his locked cell and told the officer Wilson was fine, just “playing” and faking it.
“This callous disregard for Mr. Wilson’s safety resulted in an irreversible loss to his family and friends, and must be held criminally accountable,” Manhattan DA Cy Vance said.
“The death of Ryan Wilson wasn’t just a tragedy - - it was a crime. Our investigation shows that Captain Hillman ordered her subordinates not to take potentially life-saving measures to help Mr. Wilson, and failed to call for medical assistance expediently.”
Hillman, who was suspended without pay, faces negligent homicide charges.
