New Jersey Inmate Beaten to Death in Prison Cell, Body Discovered After Two Days
A New Jersey prisoner was brutally beaten to death inside his cell at Northern State Prison in Newark, with correction officers failing to discover his body for nearly two days, according to court documents and attorney statements. The incident has sparked a major investigation and raised alarming questions about supervision and safety protocols within the facility.
Victim Screamed for Help as Attack Unfolded
Melvin Rivas Inoa, a 28-year-old inmate, was heard screaming for help as he was assaulted in his cell in January. His attorney, Brooke Barnett, stated that despite audible pleas and banging from the cell, no correction officers intervened or opened the door for approximately 48 hours. When officers finally entered the cell, Inoa was found dead with severe blunt force trauma to his face, head, and neck, as confirmed by an autopsy report.
Abdul J. Bryant, Inoa's 29-year-old cellmate, has been charged with murder in connection with the killing. Court documents reveal that a probable cause affidavit indicates Inoa was last seen alive around 7 p.m. on January 20, with his body not discovered until about 7:05 a.m. on January 22.
Witness Accounts and Allegations of Neglect
An inmate in a neighboring cell told investigators they heard loud banging and kicking noises emanating from the cell, followed by the sound of a toilet flushing and a sink running through the night and into the next day. According to a criminal complaint, Bryant allegedly confessed to assaulting the victim and then "washed him up" to conceal injuries.
Barnett emphasized that Inoa's cries for help were ignored, with other inmates banging on cell doors to alert officers, to no avail. "Whether you wanna say that's murder or conspiracy to commit murder, at a minimum it's official misconduct," Barnett asserted, highlighting potential failures in staff conduct.
Violation of Prison Regulations and Family Grief
Under a 2019 law signed by then-Governor Phil Murphy, inmates in New Jersey state prisons cannot be confined to their cells for more than 20 hours a day. Barnett claimed this rule was disregarded in Inoa's case, exacerbating the tragedy.
Inoa's family, residing in the Bronx, expressed devastation upon learning of his death, which occurred just weeks before his expected release. He had served about two and a half years on a gun conviction. His sister, Leslie Rivas Inoa, recounted, "He would tell my mom, 'Mommy I am coming home soon.'" The family noted that Inoa had recently expressed fears for his safety, adding to their anguish.
Ongoing Investigations and Prison History of Issues
The Essex County Prosecutor's Office and the New Jersey Department of Corrections have launched investigations into the incident. A Department of Corrections spokesperson stated that staff are required to conduct formal counts and security checks throughout every shift, but when asked about disciplinary actions for officers, the department cited cooperation with prosecutors and documentation of all misconduct allegations.
Northern State Prison's restrictive housing unit has faced prior criticism. A 2024 report by the Office of Corrections highlighted inmate complaints regarding access to healthcare, staffing shortages, and problems with heating, cooling, and plumbing. Barnett remarked, "The level of violence that goes on behind those four walls at Northern State Prison isn't shocking," underscoring systemic concerns.
This case underscores urgent issues in prison management, inmate safety, and accountability, with calls for reforms to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
