Inmate death at northern state prison under investigation by attorney general’s office — Prison fence. Grid fence with barbed wire against sunset. Barbed wire. Security measures for prisoners in prison.

TRENTON, N.J. – The New Jersey Attorney General’s Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA) is investigating the in-custody death of an inmate at Northern State Prison in Newark following an encounter with correctional police officers earlier this month.

The inmate, identified as David Silva, 46, died on December 12 after being hospitalized following the December 3 incident. Officials have not disclosed the circumstances surrounding the encounter, and the identities of the involved officers have not been released.

The investigation is being conducted under a 2019 state law that requires the Attorney General’s Office to examine deaths that occur during encounters with law enforcement or while individuals are in custody. Such investigations must also be presented to a grand jury to determine whether the evidence supports criminal charges against the officers involved.

“The investigation is ongoing, and no further information is being released at this time,” officials said in a statement.

No additional details about Silva’s death or the events leading up to it have been provided as the inquiry continues.

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