Tuesday, August 4, 2015

Sandra Bland's Family Files Federal Lawsuit Over Her Death

Sandra Bland stands before a desk at Waller County Jail in Hempstead, Texas.

Waller County Sheriff's Department via AP

The family of Sandra Bland, who died in a Texas jail cell in July three days after she was detained during a traffic stop, filed a wrongful death lawsuit in federal court Tuesday, alleging her constitutional rights were violated.

The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court Southern District of Texas by Bland's mother, Geneva Reed-Veal, who is the executive of Bland's estate.

Among those listed as defendants are Trooper Brian Encinia, who first pulled Bland's car over for a minor traffic violation on July 10; the Texas Department of Public Safety, who employs Encinia; Waller County; and Elsa Magnus and Oscar Prudente, who work as screening officers at the Waller County Jail.

Bland was found dead in her jail cell on July 13. Her official autopsy ruled Bland's death a suicide by hanging, but her supporters claim she had no reason to self-harm.

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Read the lawsuit here:




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