New York City — 39-year-old Barry Cozart died in the custody of the New York City Department of Correction (DOC) at the George R. Vierno Center on March 25, 2026. 
Incident Details
Authorities say Cozart was found in need of medical attention. Despite the efforts of staff who performed CPR, he was pronounced dead at around 11.33 a.m.
Cozart’s death is under review by the New York City Medical Examiner’s Office and the city’s correctional oversight entities.
Legal Oversight and Reporting Standards
According to DOC reports, Cozart is the 1st person to have died at or shortly after release from RIkers in 2026 so far, following 15 inmate deaths for all of 2025.
Because this death occurred in correctional custody, state law requires multiple reporting and oversight mechanisms. Under New York Executive Law § 837‑v, law-enforcement agencies must promptly report arrest-related deaths (including custody deaths) to the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS).
Correctional facilities also must follow regulations: under 9 NYCRR § 7022.4, state rules require that each facility report the death of any incarcerated person to the appropriate authorities within one hour of pronouncement of death.
If the investigation finds that constitutional protections—such as the right to necessary medical care—were violated, families may pursue civil-rights claims under 42 U.S.C. § 1983.
Seeking Accountability for In Custody Deaths
If you witnessed this incident, knew Barry Cozart, or are seeking to understand your rights following a jail-custody death, you should consider the following steps:
1. Request Public Records
You may request DOC incident reports, surveillance footage, restroom check-logs, medical and transport records, and the Medical Examiner’s report.
2. Preserve Any Evidence You Have
Document your exact time and location, what you observed (or heard), any video or photo evidence you captured, and your vantage point relative to the event.
3. Consult with a Civil-Rights Attorney
If you believe there was inadequate medical response, procedural failure, or constitutional violations, you may have legal options.
If you or a loved one has been impacted by an in-custody death such as this one involving Barry Cozart, contact The Sehat Law Firm at (949) 825-5200 for a free consultation, or complete the form at the bottom of this page to speak with our legal team.
Legal Disclaimer:
This article provides general information only and should not be considered legal or medical advice, nor does it create an attorney-client relationship. Laws vary, and any referenced here may not apply to your situation. This article was created from secondary sources and may not be completely accurate. If you have any concerns, please contact us and we will update or remove the post as needed.
