The Nation - News from Feb. 1, 1989

Child killer Joel Steinberg was placed on a heightened suicide watch in cell No. 1 at the protective custody wing of the Rikers Island jail in New York. Guards in the cellblock at the jail’s hospital were ordered to check Steinberg every 15 minutes as “a precautionary measure” following his manslaughter conviction Monday, said Ruby Ryles, city Correction Department spokeswoman. Steinberg, 47, was cleared of murder but convicted of manslaughter by a Manhattan jury after eight days of deliberations. He faces up to 25 years in prison when sentenced March 8 for the death of 6-year-old Lisa, the girl he illegally adopted. Steinberg’s attorney Ira London said he plans to appeal.