The FBI has stepped in to help Texas Rangers in the investigation of Sandra Bland, a woman who died in the hands of police custody after being arrested on a traffic charge.
According to USA Today, the FBI announced their role in the investigation on Thursday after outcry from the family and the public increased over what exactly led to the 28-year-old’s death. The Chicago native was arrested in Waller County, Texas on Friday and found dead in a jail cell on Monday. Police have labeled her death a suicide after releasing more information Thursday.
“It appears she had used a trash bag to hang herself from a partition in the ceiling, which was used to give inmates privacy,” said Elton Mathis, district attorney of Waller County.
Facebook videos Bland posted in the past about police brutality and her alleged struggles with depression have been publicized, painting a portrait of a mentally unstable woman. Her friends and family however, aren’t buying that story.
“I talked to her Friday and she was in good spirits,” said LaVaughn Mosely. “Although she was incarcerated she was in good spirits. She was looking forward to posting bond Saturday and getting out. So you don’t go from that to hanging yourself.”
In the footage, she speaks positively about her “depressed moments” and how her faith got her through her struggles.
Another video posted before her death shows her speaking about the power of social media–the same medium where her story received the most attention.
The family has hired an attorney and will meet with investigators on Monday. A prayer vigil for Bland will also take place on Sunday with more details to follow.
SOURCE: USA Today, Twitter | VIDEO CREDIT: NDN, YouTube
NewsOne Now host Roland Martin details latest developments in the Sandra Bland death in custody case and investigation as to what really happened to the 28-year-old. Martin also talks with LaVaughn Mosley, #SandraSpeaks rally organizer about the rally taking place at the Waller County Sheriff’s Office.
Be sure to watch “NewsOne Now” with Roland Martin, weekdays at 9 a.m. EST on TV One.
SEE ALSO: Illinois Woman Who Drove To Texas For New Job Found Dead In Jail Cell Days Later
FBI Assists Texas Authorities In Sandra Bland Investigation was originally published on newsone.com
