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16-Year-Old Kalief Browder Spent 3 Years at Rikers Island Without a Trial- Then Took His Own Life
The teen’s arrest turned into a 1,000-day nightmare and his story exposed the critical need for prison reform.
To learn the full story, read my article on All That’s Interesting.
On the morning of May 15, 2010, 16-year-old Kalief Browder was walking home in the Bronx with a friend when police suddenly stopped them. A man had called to report that two teens had stolen his backpack, which he claimed contained a camera, $700, a credit card, and an iPod Touch.
Kalief, who had nothing on him when the officer approached him, insisted they had the wrong guys. He told officers, “I didn’t rob anybody. You can check my pockets.” Despite finding no evidence, police arrested Kalief, claiming he matched the suspect’s description. His friend was also detained but was released shortly after.
For Kalief, the nightmare was only beginning.
Unable to afford the $3,000 bail, the teen was sent to Rikers Island, one of the most dangerous prisons in America. What was meant to be a brief stay while awaiting a fair trial turned into 1,000 days, nearly two of which were spent in solitary…
