Sandra Bland’s family sues state trooper, wants answers

He said information the family has received from law enforcement has been inconsistent, which raises concerns about what has and hasn’t been given to them.

However, investigators and prosecutors tell FOX 26 she made 21 phone calls from both the jail phone and a cell phone.

The paper, which filed at a federal court in Texas, also named the Texas Department of Public Safety, Waller County, the county’s sheriff’s department and two jailers as defendants in the case.

“We are looking for Waller County and the individuals involved to take accountability”, said Cannon Lambert Sr., who is representing the family. Encinia subsequently pulled Bland out of the auto, pinned her to the ground and arrested her. He later claimed that she assaulted him.

Bland’s family previously acknowledged a Facebook post by the Chicago-area native in which she discussed struggling with depression, but they have disputed officials’ suicide ruling.

“Mr. Encinia is still employed and it doesn’t make sense that the taxpayers are paying for the type of service that he employed on July 10”, Lambert said. She added that the several written requests for those questions that the family and general public still have are being ignored.

The family and their attorney plan to talk to the media after the lawsuit is filed. The autopsy also showed no injuries consistent with a violent homicide, and noted Bland had about 30 cuts on her wrist that were probably self-inflicted in the weeks before her arrest.

“The county expresses its sympathy to Sandra Bland’s family”, Simmons said. Officials claim Bland hung herself with a garbage bag while awaiting bond for release. Video footage of the incident shows a confrontation between the pair, during which the state trooper apparently threatens to use a stun gun on Bland before taking her into custody.

“Step out, or I will remove you”, he said repeatedly, opening the driver’s door as she protested.

Texas authorities said last week that Encinia violated procedures and the department’s courtesy policy during the traffic stop and was placed on administrative leave.

KHOU-TV The suit also argues the sheriff’s office and guards are liable because they failed to adequately monitor Bland and protect her while she was in custody. He says the suit is seeking answers that the family hasn’t gotten. He says it will name Texas Department of Public Safety trooper Brian Encinia and others.

“I am still confident in the fact that she knew enough about Jesus that she would not take herself out”, she said before acknowledging that “anything is possible”.