Sandra Bland autopsy: No signs of homicide, Texas officials say
'At this particular point in time, I have not seen any evidence to indicate that this is a homicide'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Texas officials have released autopsy findings in the death of Sandra Bland, a 28-year-old black woman who died while in police custody.
Waller County prosecutor Warren Diepraam said on Thursday that Ms Bland's death was consistent with suicide: “At this particular point in time, I have not seen any evidence to indicate that this is a homicide."
The prosecutor added that the only visible hand injuries were "wrist lacerations or abrasions" — "consistent with being handcuffed and struggling."
“There were no bite marks or other injuries on her face, on her lips, on her tongue, which would be consistent with a violent struggle,” he said.
However, guards at the jail may have violated state policies by failing to do timely checks on inmates.
The Texas Commission on Jail Standards has accused the jail of failing to complete visual face-to-face observations of inmates every 60 minutes — as required by state regulations, CNN reported.
The same report states that county officials failed to provide proof that staff met the required "two hours of annual training with the local mental health authorities in accordance with the state-approved Mental Disabilities/Suicide Prevention Plan."
“The training is to include the recognition, supervision, documentation and handling of inmates who are mentally disabled and/or potentially suicidal."
In the days after Ms Bland's death, the Waller County Jail has reportedly been removing trashcans from their jail cells.
Ms Bland’s death has sparked protests around the states amid heightened racial tensions sparked by cases in which black Americans have been killed by white police officers.
The DA's office has not released the full autopsy or toxicology report.
For more on the Sandra Bland case:
Black activist Sandra Bland found dead in cell 'told guard she had previously tried to kill herself'
Sandra Bland case: Officer with Taser seen shouting 'I will light you up' in police footage
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments