Essex County Prison Officers Won't Face Charges After Death Of Inmate

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — No criminal charges will be filed against officers in connection with the stabbing death of an inmate at the Essex County Correctional Facility in Newark more than three years ago, prosecutors announced Thursday.

A state grand jury voted to not file criminal charges against any Essex County correctional police officers after the death of Daniel Gelin, 27, of Elizabeth.

Gelin died on Dec. 3, 2021 from injuries he received in an altercation with another inmate, according to the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General.

The incident sparked criticism from civil rights advocates – including the ACLU of New Jersey – as well as a lawsuit, which accused the jail and its officers of failing to protect Gelin, and the prison’s medical provider of failing to care for him afterwards.

Here’s what happened that day, state prosecutors said:

“According to the investigation, a physical altercation occurred between Mr. Gelin and another inmate in the Essex County Correctional Facility on Dec. 2, 2021 at approximately 8:26 p.m. During the incident, the other inmate appeared to have a weapon and made stabbing motions at Mr. Gelin. Essex County correctional police officers approached and intervened. Custody and medical staff placed Mr. Gelin on a stretcher and escorted him to the medical unit of the facility. After evaluating and treating Mr. Gelin, medical staff determined that he did not require medical treatment at an outside facility. Mr. Gelin was then cleared to return to the jail population. Essex County correctional police officers escorted Mr. Gelin to a housing unit where he was placed in a cell with another inmate.”

During the overnight hours neither correctional staff nor Gelin’s cellmate reported a medical emergency, authorities said.

Here’s what happened next, prosecutors said:

“The following morning at approximately 7:10 a.m., Mr. Gelin prepared for a shower. Shortly thereafter, he conveyed to officers that he no longer wanted to shower, was having difficulty walking, and wanted to return to the medical unit. A corrections officer advised him to speak with the nurse when she arrived to perform her morning medication rounds shortly after breakfast. At approximately 7:34 a.m., while performing breakfast duties, corrections officers found Mr. Gelin on the cell floor and called for a sergeant, who responded to conduct a wellness check. A code was called indicating a medical emergency was occurring, and medical staff arrived thereafter. At about 8:04 a.m., medical staff called 911 to report a possible cardiac arrest. An ambulance responded and transported Mr. Gelin to the hospital, where he was pronounced deceased at 9:03 a.m.”

Gelin’s death was investigated by the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA) and presented to New Jersey residents serving on the grand jury, in accordance with the Independent Prosecutor Directive of 2019.

Prosecutors said the investigation included witness interviews, photographs, video footage and autopsy results from the medical examiner.

After hearing the testimony and evidence, the grand jury concluded its deliberations on Aug. 4 and voted “no bill,” determining that no criminal charges should be filed against any Essex County correctional police officer involved in this incident.

In March of 2022, the Essex County Prosecutor's Office obtained a grand jury indictment of the inmate who had allegedly stabbed Gelin during the fight on charges of murder (1st degree), possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose (3rd degree) and possession of a weapon (4th degree). The matter is pending trial, authorities said Thursday.

• See Related: Long-Awaited Review Gives Deep Look Into NJ's Largest County Prison

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