Zohran Mamdani Posts Heartfelt Message About Career Criminal and Killer Who Died in Custody at Rikers Island: ‘Deeply Saddened’

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani expressed deep sadness over the death of inmate Clarence Woodward at Rikers Island, who was awaiting trial for the murder of Jose Miranda. Woodward, an ex-convict with numerous prior arrests, died in his cell, prompting a public mourning statement from the mayor. The family of the victim, Jose Miranda, condemned the mayor’s message as insensitive and a ‘slap in the face.’

• NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani posted a message mourning the death of inmate Clarence Woodward at Rikers Island.
• Woodward was awaiting trial for the murder of Jose Miranda, who was killed with a meat cleaver in a 2024 laundromat attack.
• Woodward had a criminal record with nearly 30 arrests.
• The victim’s family, including Jose Miranda’s mother Marisol Miranda, expressed anger and called the mayor’s statement a ‘slap in the face.’
• Mayor Mamdani stated his thoughts were with the deceased’s family and loved ones, and reiterated his commitment to improving jail conditions and closing Rikers Island.