Our family is reaching out with heavy hearts and hopeful spirits. Since the beginning of this year, our brother has been incarcerated at Rikers Island following a traumatic encounter with the NYPD. What was described by authorities as an arrest turned violent—left him in the emergency room, not the officers. We weren’t allowed to see him for over a week. Since then, he’s been locked away, with little progress toward justice or healing.

Our brother has struggled with mental health and addiction for years. He’s not a criminal—he’s a human being who needs care, not confinement. The public defender assigned to his case has made minimal efforts to get him into a mental health program, despite his eligibility. Promising options have been dropped without explanation. He’s been left to deteriorate in a system that doesn’t see him as someone worth rehabilitating.

We believe in his innocence. He swears he was attacked and pressured to admit guilt for something he didn’t do. We believe him. We know how often people—especially those with mental health challenges—are mistreated and silenced in the criminal justice system.

What We’re Fighting For

• A private attorney who will advocate for his mental health needs and fight for his release

• Access to therapy and addiction support once he’s home

• The chance to pursue justice through a civil lawsuit against the NYPD

• A second chance at life—surrounded by family, love, and community

We need to raise $5,000 to retain a lawyer who will truly fight for him. Every dollar brings us closer to reuniting our family and giving our brother the support he deserves.

Why This Matters

Our family has been struggling financially for years. I work a full-time job while supporting my parents, who are both dealing with serious health issues. My mom had a back injury and had to stop working. My dad’s health prevents him from driving Uber like he used to. My youngest brother just started working for the Department of Education and helps as much as he can—but we’re barely getting by.

October 25 is our brother’s birthday. We don’t want him to spend another day in jail, especially not his birthday. He’s already spent over half a year behind bars. If rehabilitation was the goal, he’s done his time. Now it’s time to bring him home.

How You Can Help

• Donate whatever you can—every bit helps

• Share this campaign with friends, family, and your networks

• Raise awareness about the injustice and the need for reform

We’re doing everything we can on our end—communicating with lawyers, advocating for his rights, and holding onto hope. But we can’t do this alone.

Please help us bring our brother home. Help us fight for justice. Help us heal.

With gratitude,

Our Family