An accused murderer leaped to his death on Rikers Island over the weekend, officials and sources said Wednesday.
Rubu Zhao, 52, was walking around in his housing unit in the George R. Vierno Center Sunday when he jumped from the top of a set of stairs, cracking his head, according to Department of Correction sources.
Zhao was taken to Elmhurst Hospital where he died Tuesday evening, DOC officials said.
“I am saddened by the circumstances that led to Mr. Zhao’s passing and I offer my condolences to his family,” Commissioner Louis Molina said.
His death was the second in DOC custody. AP“The health and safety of everyone in our custody is a top priority, and a full investigation is underway to determine how this unfortunate incident.”
Zhao was jailed in December on murder charges in connection to the stabbing death of a 48-year-old woman in Sunset Park.
His death is the second in DOC custody this year.
