NY Attorney General Joins Investigation of Mount Vernon Jail Cell Death

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman has invoked his new power to investigate matters involving the death of a civilian caused by police to join the investigation into the death of a woman in a Mount Vernon police department holding cell.

The probe is to determine whether a full investigation into the death is necessary, according to the Yonkers Daily Voice.

Raynette Turner, 42, was under arrest for shoplifting. Police said she had had bariatric surgery and had a history of hypertension.

The Westchester County District Attorney’s Office is also assisting the Mount Vernon Police in investigating the death of a 44- year-old Mount Vernon woman who was in custody.

She was found unresponsive yesterday afternoon awaiting arraignment for Petty Larceny, said spokesman Lucian Chalfen.

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo signed the executive order giving the AG the power to act as a special prosecutor in cases involving civilians and police on July 8.