A state grand jury has decided not to bring criminal charges against Essex County correctional police officers in connection with the death of Daniel Gelin, a 27-year-old inmate from Elizabeth, New Jersey. Gelin died on December 3, 2021, after being injured during an altercation with another inmate at the Essex County Correctional Facility in Newark.
The Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA) led the investigation, following procedures outlined by the Independent Prosecutor Directive of 2019. These procedures are designed to ensure that grand jury presentations are conducted neutrally and transparently.
Evidence presented to the grand jury included witness interviews, photographs, video footage, and autopsy results. The incident was reviewed by New Jersey residents serving on the grand jury. After reviewing all evidence and testimony, the grand jury voted “no bill” on August 4, 2025, meaning no criminal charges will be filed against any correctional officer involved.
According to investigators, Gelin was involved in a fight with another inmate on December 2, 2021. During this altercation, the other inmate appeared to have a weapon and made stabbing motions toward Gelin. Correctional officers intervened in the incident.
Gelin was then taken by custody and medical staff to the facility’s medical unit for evaluation and treatment. Medical staff determined he did not require outside medical care and cleared him to return to his housing unit. He was placed in a cell with another inmate.
Overnight, neither correctional staff nor Gelin’s cellmate reported any medical emergencies. The next morning around 7:10 a.m., Gelin indicated he had difficulty walking and wanted to return to the medical unit but was advised by an officer to wait for the nurse’s morning rounds.
At about 7:34 a.m., corrections officers found Gelin unresponsive on his cell floor while performing breakfast duties. A sergeant responded for a wellness check and called a code indicating a medical emergency. Medical staff arrived soon after.
Medical personnel called 911 at approximately 8:04 a.m., reporting possible cardiac arrest. An ambulance transported Gelin to the hospital where he was pronounced dead at 9:03 a.m.
In March 2022, prosecutors obtained an indictment against the other inmate allegedly involved in stabbing Gelin. Charges include murder (first degree), possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose (third degree), and possession of a weapon (fourth degree). The case is pending trial; all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
New Jersey law requires that any death occurring during an encounter with law enforcement or while in custody be investigated by the Attorney General’s Office and presented to a grand jury for possible indictment decisions. The grand jury receives instructions regarding potential criminal offenses before deliberating.
A conflicts check found no actual or potential conflict of interest among those assigned to this investigation. OPIA Executive Director Drew Skinner reviewed the investigation prior to its presentation as required by established policies.
After such investigations conclude, OPIA determines whether administrative review is needed under Internal Affairs Policy & Procedures and monitors any resulting actions as necessary.
