Sandra Bland Wrongful Death Trial to Begin January 2017

HOUSTON, TX — A Jan. 23, 2017 trial date has been set for a wrongful death suit filed by the family of Sandra Bland, a 28-year-old Naperville woman who was found dead in her jail cell after being arrested for allegedly assaulting a Texas trooper.

The family is seeking unspecified damages from the Texas Department of Public Safety, the state trooper who arrested her, Waller County and two jailers, according to a wire report from the Associated Press.

“A grand jury is considering whether to issue criminal indictments. Attorneys in the civil suit told Hittner they had little information to suggest when the jury will decide,” the article said.

Bland was pulled over July 10 in Prairie View, Texas for failing to signal a lane change. She was arrested for allegedly assault the officer. Three days later she was found dead in her jail cell.

“I want all of you to know Sandy was more than a hashtag,” said Bland’s mother, Geneva Reed-Veal, according to ABC 7. “That’s what I want everybody to know. Sandra Bland was more than a hashtag. And we will continue fighting for justice for here.”

A medical examiner said Bland had killed herself using a plastic trash bag in the cell.

Bland’s family vehemently denies that she would kill herself, blaming jailers for causing her death.

Waller County Attorneys have alleged that Bland killed herself after she became despondent when family members were unable to make her bail.

The Death of Sandra Bland

• Texas district attorney says the case will go to a grand jury and says it’s being treated as a “murder Investigation.” Meanwhile, civil rights activists and politicians are asking the Justice Department to step in. Recent coverage includes:
• Congressman Asks Department of Justice to Investigate Sandra Bland’s Death
• Sister ‘Infuriated’ By Dash Cam Footage
• Sandra Bland Tried to Kill Herself Before Arrest: AP
• Texas Public Safety Denies Altering Sandra Bland Dash Cam Footage
• Timeline Leading Up to Death of Sandra Bland Released
• Lawyer for Family of Sandra Bland Describes Police Dash Cam Video
• Family of Naperville Woman Who Died in Jail Seeks Independent Autopsy
• Sandra Bland’s funeral