The primary "Newark prison fight" in 2021 refers to the brutal beating of inmate Jayshawn Boyd by a group of seven other inmates at the Essex County Correctional Facility in Newark on September 23, 2021. The assault, captured on surveillance video, left Boyd with severe, permanent brain damage.

Details of the Incident

The Attack: Seven inmates attacked Boyd in a common area. They used various items during the assault, which lasted about two minutes.

Victim Background: Jayshawn Boyd, 22 at the time, had a history of schizophrenia and had recently been in a psychiatric hospital. Despite his history and being placed in a pod known to house gang members, a medical intake nurse recorded he had no history of violence.

Staffing Issues: The single corrections officer in the pod exited for safety and called for help, resulting in a delayed intervention. The officer testified about minimal training and understaffing.

Victim's Injuries: Boyd was in a coma after the attack. He survived but suffered severe injuries, including paralysis, and requires lifelong care.