Sandra Bland's Family Settles Wrongful Death Civil Lawsuit for $1.9M

WALLER COUNTY, TEXAS — A wrongful death civil suit brought by the family of 28-year-old Naperville resident Sandra Bland against the Waller County Jail and the Texas Department of Public Safety has been settled for $1.9 million.

Bland family lawyer Cannon Lambert told ABC 13 Eyewitness News that the TDPS will pay $100,000, and the Waller County Jail will pay the remaining $1.8 million.

In addition to a cash payout, the settlement stipulates that the jail must “provide emergency nurses for all shifts; use automated electronic sensors to ensure accurate and timely cell checks; and activity seek the passage of additional state funds for for jail intaking, inmate screening, training and additional jail support,” according to the report.

In July 2015, Sandra Bland was in Waller County for a job interview at Prairie View A&M University. She was pulled over for failing to signal a lane change. Both she and the officer became argumentative, and Bland was then arrested.

She was found dead in her jail cell three days later. The medical examiner said Bland hanged herself using a plastic trash bag, but her mother, Geneva Reed-Veal maintains that she did not kill herself.

Brian Encinia, the trooper who pulled Bland over, said he had pulled her out of her vehicle in order to continue his investigation, but it was later proven that he had lied and that the real reason he pulled her out was because she refused to put out her cigarette. Encinia was later indicted for perjury and fired from his job.

According to the statement of charges, Encinia failed to “remain courteous and tactful” and engaged in “argumentative discussions” with Bland. Encinia also was charged with prolonging the traffic stop beyond a reasonably necessary time and failing to follow the “seven-step violator interview,” which entails identifying the agency, stating the violation, checking ID, stating the action that needs to be taken, explaining what the violator must do and then leaving.

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