A state grand jury has declined to file criminal charges following its review of the 2022 death of a 57-year-old woman in custody at the Paterson Police Department.

Rosita Diaz, 57, of Paterson, died on Feb. 18, 2022, while being held in a police department cell. Her death was investigated by the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA) and presented to the state grand jury, as required under the Independent Prosecutor Directive of 2019.

The investigation included witness interviews, body-worn camera and surveillance footage, medical records, and autopsy and toxicology findings. Evidence was presented to the grand jury, which completed deliberations on Dec. 16, 2024, and returned a “no bill” decision, concluding that no charges should be filed against the officers involved.

Diaz had been arrested on Feb. 17, 2022, for alleged possession of narcotics. During her detention, she was transported to a hospital multiple times for medical and psychological evaluations. After her final hospital discharge, Diaz was found unresponsive in a holding cell at approximately 5:55 p.m. on Feb. 18, 2022. Emergency medical services pronounced her deceased at 6:16 p.m.

Toxicology results indicated the presence of fentanyl, para-flouro-fentanyl, and cocaine in her system. The state medical examiner ruled Diaz’s death an accident.

Under New Jersey law, deaths occurring during law enforcement encounters or in custody must be investigated by the Attorney General’s Office and presented to a grand jury to determine if charges are warranted. In this case, the grand jury found no evidence to support criminal charges.

The Independent Prosecutor Directive aims to ensure neutrality and transparency in such investigations, with oversight by the OPIA.