This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-33085012

The article has changed 5 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 2 Version 3
Rikers Island prison guards charged over fatal beating Rikers Island prison guards charged over fatal beating
(about 1 hour later)
Two prison guards have been charged over the death of a black inmate in New York City, prosecutors in Manhattan have announced.Two prison guards have been charged over the death of a black inmate in New York City, prosecutors in Manhattan have announced.
The charges stem from the beating death of Ronald Spear, 52, in 2012 who was at Rikers Island awaiting trial for burglary.The charges stem from the beating death of Ronald Spear, 52, in 2012 who was at Rikers Island awaiting trial for burglary.
New York medical officials ruled the death a homicide, but Bronx prosecutors had refused to pursue charges.New York medical officials ruled the death a homicide, but Bronx prosecutors had refused to pursue charges.
Spear had been complaining of medical issues when he was kicked repeatedly.Spear had been complaining of medical issues when he was kicked repeatedly.
A verbal argument broke out in the jail's infirmary between Spear and a guard when he requested a doctor's visit.A verbal argument broke out in the jail's infirmary between Spear and a guard when he requested a doctor's visit.
Brian Coll, a former guard, forced Spear to the ground, placed him in handcuffs, and then repeatedly kicked him in the chest and head, causing his death, according to medical officials.Brian Coll, a former guard, forced Spear to the ground, placed him in handcuffs, and then repeatedly kicked him in the chest and head, causing his death, according to medical officials.
He is charged with depriving Spear of his civil rights, obstruction of justice, and other counts.He is charged with depriving Spear of his civil rights, obstruction of justice, and other counts.
Byron Taylor, a current guard, helped to restrain Spear and lied about his role to investigators, say court documents filed on Wednesday.Byron Taylor, a current guard, helped to restrain Spear and lied about his role to investigators, say court documents filed on Wednesday.
He is charged with conspiracy to obstruct justice through his efforts to cover up the assault.He is charged with conspiracy to obstruct justice through his efforts to cover up the assault.
Anthony Torres, a former office, pleaded guilty on Tuesday to conspiracy to obstruct justice.Anthony Torres, a former office, pleaded guilty on Tuesday to conspiracy to obstruct justice.
Spears family said they hope today's charges "will bring justice for the officers who killed Ronald and covered up his death and also shine a window of accountability into the violence and corruption that pervades Rikers Island".