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Transgender Prisoner Layleen Polanco Found Dead at Rikers Island

HeadlineJun 10, 2019

In New York, 27-year-old transgender, Afro-Latinx prisoner Layleen Polanco was found dead inside a cell at Rikers Island Friday. The cause of death is unknown. Transgender rights advocates and Polanco’s family are calling for a full investigation. A gathering in Layleen Polanco’s memory is being held tonight in New York City. Her death has also prompted renewed calls to shut down Rikers jail. Earlier this year, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said he expects the prison to shutter by 2026.

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