Sandra Bland's Family Files Federal Lawsuit

Photo: Sandra Bland

The family of 28-year-old Naperville resident Sandra Bland has filed a lawsuit against trooper Brian Encinia and other members of the Waller County Sheriff’s Office for the death of Bland July 13 in a Texas jail cell.

The federal lawsuit was filed early Tuesday morning in Houston. In addition to Encinia, the suit names the Texas Department of Public Safety, Waller County and Waller County Sheriff’s Office Screening Officers Elsa Magnus and Oscar Prudente as defendants.

Bland’s mother, Geneva Reed-Veal, is listed as the plaintiff both individually and as a representative of Bland’s estate.

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The 18-count suit includes accusations of assault and battery and wrongful death.

Bland was stopped on July 10 on a turn-signal violation. Dashboard camera video shows an argument developing between Bland and the officer. The officer, Brian Encinia, requests she put out her cigarette, then he threatens to “light you up” with a Taser. She is told to get out of her vehicle, and Bland continues to argue with the officer. Then they move off camera, where Bland is thrown to the ground. Part of this interaction was recorded on video by a bystander. Encinia was subsequently suspended for his actions during her arrest.

On July 13, Bland was found dead in her cell. An autopsy has ruled the death a suicide. Bland’s funeral was held July 26 at the DuPage African Methodist Episcopal Church.

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
  
  

VIEW THE SANDRA BLAND LAWSUIT