No Criminal Charges After Newark Man Dies In NJ Prison

NEWARK, NJ — A state grand jury voted not to file any criminal charges regarding the death of a Newark man who died in custody at East Jersey State Prison, authorities announced Wednesday.

Chazz Hilliard, 29, of Newark, died on Feb. 29, 2020 at East Jersey State Prison in Rahway, according to the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General.

Prosecutors released the following statement about Hilliard’s death:

“According to the investigation … correctional police officers responded to Mr. Hilliard’s cell in response to reports from other inmates that he was acting erratically. When they arrived, officers observed a broken window and glass scattered throughout the cell. Mr. Hilliard appeared to be causing bodily harm to himself. He had blood on his hands and mouth. Several officers attempted to remove Mr. Hilliard from the cell and transport him to the infirmary, but Mr. Hilliard was uncooperative. A struggle ensued and the officers used force, including OC pepper spray, and handcuffs to restrain him. Mr. Hilliard was then transported for medical evaluation. While at the infirmary, he became unresponsive. Medical staff and officers performed CPR and other life-saving measures, which were unsuccessful.”

After an autopsy, the medical examiner determined that the cause of death was “cardiac arrhythmia and blunt impact injuries of the face sustained in a state of enhanced excitement while under the influence of synthetic drugs.”

An investigation by the state Office of Public Integrity and Accountability included the autopsy, interviews of witnesses, and a review of recordings from video surveillance cameras, prosecutors said.

After hearing testimony and evidence from the investigation, the grand jury completed its deliberations Tuesday and voted “no bill,” meaning that no charges should be filed against any of the 11 involved officers because none of them caused Hilliard’s death, prosecutors said.

More information about how fatal police encounters and deaths in custody are investigated in New Jersey can be seen here.

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