Just when you think with everything going on in the US, the trend of the police brutality on African Americans would fade, right? Here’s why, once again, we are proven wrong. Sandra Bland, a 28 year old Chicago woman was found dead, hanging in her Texas jail cell on July 13th.
But wait, let’s backtrack a bit. Bland was pulled over by state trooper, Brian Encina, on July 10th for failing to use a signal before changing lanes (sounds familiar?). Bland, obviously vex, began to quarrel about how ridiculous she found the ticket was, Encina repeatedly screamed at her, ordering her to step out of the vehicle. As Bland refused to co-operate and continued to argue her case, Encina replied with “I’m going to drag you out of here,” and reportedly took out a taser and threatened, “I will light you up” ,before arresting her.
After her arrest, police stated that she continued to protest her arrest, whilst Bland complained of mistreatment from the police. Videos are even surfacing around the Internet of her arrest, where she clearly states that the police have slammed her head on the ground.
While her autopsy reports her death being due to self-inflicted asphyxiation, there are many suspicions surrounding this case. However, it is said that Bland had previously suffered from depression and had even attempted suicide before, and had even reported this upon arrival at the jail. So in that case, should she then not have been put on suicide watch? Instead of placing her in a cell, usually fit for four, alone?
On the other hand, she was said to be found hanging from the plastic from a garbage bag, which she tied to the partition of her shower. But….apparently garbage bags are not even allowed in the cells of inmates, neither did she have any lacerations consistent with a hanging. Thoughts?
Something isn’t adding up. What do you think? Is it just a plain case of negligence? Or do you sense foul play? When you dig into your inner Mariska Hargitay, comment and let us know what you think. But for now, from this view, it seems that being black is another thing that needs to be legalized in the US, apparently.
