>So we as a society, think it makes sense to compensate the family of a man that allegedly strangled someone, and decided to kill himself?

FTFY

Riker's Island is mostly full of people awaiting trial and, therefore, innocent in the eyes of the law. The state has a duty to ensure the safety of the people in its custody, including humane living conditions where their basic needs are met. Even with convicted criminals, cruelty is not the purpose of prison but rehabilitation under the guidelines of the conviction. The state has a duty to ensure that the basic rights of all - even convicted murderers on death row - are upheld. The state can only infringe on the inalienable rights that are specifically outlined by the judge for the criminal offense. Anything more is cruelty and a human rights violation.