Family of Sandra Bland Questioning Her Death in a Texas Jail

On Monday, July 13, 28-year-old Sandra Bland was found dead in a Texas jail cell. Bland was arrested for allegedly assaulting a police officer during a traffic stop on Friday.

Family and friends of Bland have reached out to ABC7's I-Team saying they do not trust the official version of what happened to the 28-year-old. According to sheriff's deputies Bland died of "self-inflicted asphyxiation." But her family believes this is a case of foul play due to the county's history of racial intolerance.

According to Waller County Sheriff's Department officials, Bland was pulled over Friday for improper signaling during a lane change. After being charged with "Assault on a Public Servant" she was taken into custody by a Texas trooper. She was found dead on Monday.

Friend of Bland, LaNitra Dean spoke to ABC7, explaining that Bland "was strong. Strong mentally and spiritually." She added that Bland "was a warm, affectionate, outspoken woman." She often spoke out about police violence on social media according to her friend.

incarceration police brutality Sandra Bland Texas