Grand Jury Declines Charges Against Officers in Death of Inmate at Essex County Jail

Investigation finds no criminal liability for correctional staff in 2021 custody death.

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ – A state grand jury has decided not to file criminal charges against any Essex County correctional police officers in connection with the December 2021 death of 27-year-old Daniel Gelin of Elizabeth, who died after an altercation with another inmate at the Essex County Correctional Facility in Newark.

The Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA) presented the case in accordance with the 2019 Independent Prosecutor Directive, which requires that all deaths in custody or during encounters with law enforcement be reviewed by a grand jury. Evidence presented included witness testimony, photographs, video footage, and autopsy results. On August 4, 2025, the grand jury returned a “no bill” decision, finding insufficient evidence to indict any officers.

According to investigators, the incident began on the evening of December 2, 2021, when Gelin was involved in a physical altercation with another inmate who appeared to have a weapon and made stabbing motions toward him. Officers intervened, and medical staff treated Gelin, determining he did not require hospital care. He was returned to a housing unit later that night.

The following morning, Gelin told officers he was having difficulty walking and wanted to return to the medical unit. A nurse was scheduled to arrive shortly after breakfast, but before being seen, Gelin was found lying on his cell floor. Medical staff responded, called 911, and transported him to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 9:03 a.m.

The inmate accused of stabbing Gelin was indicted in March 2022 on charges including murder and weapons offenses. That case remains pending, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

Following the grand jury’s decision, OPIA will determine whether any administrative review is warranted under the Attorney General’s Internal Affairs Policy & Procedures.