HOUSTON, Dec. 22 (UPI) — A grand jury declined to issue indictments related to the July arrest and subsequent death of Sandra Bland, who died in police custody.
By determining no felony was committed by the sheriff’s office or the jail where she was held, Bland’s death was in effect ruled a suicide. Her family said they expected the outcome.
“I simply can’t have faith in a system that’s not inclusive of my family,” said Bland’s mother, Geneva Reed-Veal, surrounded by her four daughters. “We’re supposed to have an investigation to show us what’s happening. We know what we’ve been listening to in the media … but we don’t have any real evidence.”
Bland, who is black, was pulled over July 10 for failing to signal a lane change and was arrested in a confrontation with the officers. She was taken to jail and found hanging in her cell three days later.
Her death was ruled a suicide, but family members and protesters disputed the conclusions, alleging she was a victim of police brutality and racism. Bland was an outspoken online supporter of the Black Lives Matter movement before her arrest.
Grand jurors considered evidence collected by five special prosecutors named by the county’s district attorney. Jurors will meet again in January to determine other aspects of the case.
In grand jury proceedings, only prosecutors are permitted to appear before jurors to present evidence. The proceedings are held in secret.
