Family Demands Answers In Fulton County Inmate's Death

ATLANTA, GA — The family of Noni Battiste-Kosoko, 19, wants answers after her death on July 11 at the Atlanta City Detention Center, six days after her birthday.

Attorney Dr. Roderick Edmond said Thursday at a news conference an ante litem notice was sent to Fulton County, alerting the county of the intent to sue in her death.

During the dinner rounds, Battiste-Kosoko was found around 6:30 p.m. unresponsive in her cell, authorities said. Medical personnel and the Atlanta Fire Rescue responded and pronounced Battiste-Kosoko dead at the scene. Authorities said there were no obvious signs of injury. A cause of death has not been released.

The detention center is controlled by the Fulton County Sheriff's Office.

Battiste-Kosoko had been housed at the center since May 20 on a misdemeanor bench warrant. She was not granted a bond, and a hold was placed on her for charges out of Miami-Dade County, Florida.

Battiste-Kosoko's family claimed they have not received many details relating to her death. Shashu Battiste, Battiste-Kosoko's mother, spoke at the news conference near an urn for her daughter.

"Noni Battiste-Kosoko, my only daughter," Battiste said. "She was premature when she came into this world, and she left prematurely. I am completely beside myself with questions."

Battiste said her daughter's death confuses her as Battiste-Kosoko was physically OK.

The 19-year-old was raised in metro Atlanta and was a talented writer, her mother said. She was a singer, dancer and a role model to her younger cousins. Her birthday was July 5.

"She will greatly be missed," Battiste said. "Her absence is truly felt throughout the family."

She recalled encouraging Battiste-Kosoko during her incarceration, saying she will go "full steam ahead" upon release.

Battiste-Kosoko's death comes in the midst of controversy concerning the Fulton County Jail. The Department of Justice launched a civil investigation on July 13 into living conditions at the jail.

Justice officials said in a news release the probe will also examine the jail's ability to protect people from violence and whether Fulton County and the Fulton County Sheriff's Office discriminate against people diagnosed with psychiatric disabilities inside of the jail.

The DOJ's Civil Rights Division’s Special Litigation Section is leading the investigation alongside the U.S. Attorney’s office in the Northern District of Georgia.