TX - Sandra Bland, 28, found dead in jail cell, Waller County, 13 July 2015 #2

[arkansasmimi]

:tantrum: We missed a live news conference!!! Dadgumit!

1:36pm Waller County Asst. DA hold a press conference to discuss medication Sandra Bland asked for and was given, and the possible release of video of her during booking .http://www.nbcnews.com/watch/live-v...-news-conference-on-sandra-bland-322485827772

 

[Confusion]

Since she did state during her intake interview (no idea what it's actually called!) that she was on Keppra for her epilepsy, even though none was in her system at death and none listed with her property inventoried. I'm wondering if she was on it at the time she was stopped, but went through rapid withdrawal the day she died. My son and I have both been on similar medications in the past, and they usually take about 2 days to get out of your system. If she was medicated at the time, the side effects could account for some of the behavior many people are complaining about. I did find a site that gives many of the side effects of Keppra. I've left in some that probably don't apply to her, but removed a bunch that I'm fairly sure didn't.

More common

Aggressive or angry
anxiety
change in personality
crying
general feeling of discomfort or illness
headache
hyperventilation
irregular heartbeats
irritability
mental depression
paranoia
quick to react or overreact emotionally
rapidly changing moods
restlessness
shaking

Less common

discouragement
feeling sad or empty
loss of memory
mood or mental changes
outburst of anger
problems with memory
shakiness and unsteady walk

Incidence not known

Attempts at killing oneself
being forgetful
general feeling of tiredness or weakness
thoughts or attempts at killing oneself
trouble with balance
twitching, twisting, or uncontrolled repetitive movements of the tongue, lips, face, arms, or legs
uncontrolled jerking or twisting movements of the hands, arms, or legs

http://www.drugs.com/sfx/keppra-side-effects.html

I do know that when I went off my prescription, even being weaned from them, the side effects did last after the drug was out of my system. Is it possible that this could have had anything to do with her death? (I've never been on Keppra itself, just similar drugs. Is there a medical person here who knows? TIA)

MOO

ETA Just read arkansasmimi's post, and realize it wasn't withdrawals that were a problem, but possibly the medication itself. MOO again!

 

[K_Z]

She didn't use her turn signal and how many people are actually ordered out of their cars for that type of infraction and later arrested.
Is there any proof she kicked BE....none that I'm aware of. IMO

She wasn't ordered out of the car because she failed to signal a lane change. It was her behavior and attitude, IMO, that was the reason she was ordered out of the car. In just a few seconds she chose to devolve into disrespect, vulgar language, and escalating uncooperativeness. The officer had to get her into a position where he would be safer-- in situations like that, officers have to anticipate that the person may try to pull a gun or weapon and harm them. She obviously had an enormous chip on her shoulder, was under the influence of drugs, and looking to pick a fight with the officer.

IMO, the officer may be somewhat in the wrong for some of his language and attitude, but SB clearly caused and escalated the entire traffic stop, and caused her own arrest. And the officer is absolutely in no way responsible for her suicide! Good grief, that is intensely offensive to read! I am deeply astonished and disgusted that anyone would try to blame her suicide 3 days later, on the arresting officer.

We have no idea all of the impact of dysfunctional emotional, mental health, and lifestyle issues that were going on in this woman's head and life that drove her to an impulsive suicide in her jail cell. It's sad and frustrating when any person commits suicide. Statistics show that roughly 280-310 people EVERY YEAR commit suicide while in county jail or state custody, and often with no warning signs. This is one of those sad statistics.

I just really don't begin to understand why she is being made by some into a posthumous hero for "standing up" (or IMO, mouthing off, argumentative, combative, and disrespectful) to a police officer at a routine traffic stop, and the officer vilified as if he was some kind of predatory monster. It's like Darren Wilson all over again. If any criticism is to be levied, let's look at her own behavior, and the jail where she spent 3 days-- not the traffic stop.

She should have been arrested for her behavior, IMO. I'm glad they got her off the streets and out from behind the wheel of the car, before she hurt someone. I'm sorry her life was in chaos, and she handled that stress with an impulsive suicide. But I don't think the arresting officer is at fault. Her behavior during that traffic stop was outrageous, escalating, dangerous to herself and others, IMO, and warranted arrest.

 

[arkansasmimi]

New Video at this link, :
Updated 45 mins ago
WALLER, TX (KTRK) -- Waller County officials released new video today, showing Sandra Bland alive in the jail intake.

Waller County judge Trey Duhon say they're releasing the video to dispel rumors circulating that Bland was already deceased in her Waller County Jail mug shot.

The video shows Bland arriving to the Waller County Jail in the back of a squad car. It then shows her going through the booking process and inside a jail cell.

Reporter Miya Shay is following this story and will have the very latest on Eyewitness News beginning at 4pm. http://abc13.com/news/new-video-to-be-released-in-sandra-bland-case/888802/

 

[Elisaa444]

Yet he doesn't cite her for running the stop sign or even mention it during the stop? That makes no sense. Here in CA where traffic ticket stops are a great source of revenue for the city, county and even state, I do believe a ticket for failure to stop at a stop sign is a significantly higher fine than failing to signal a lane change. Running a stop sign is also potentially more dangerous than failing to signal a lane change on a lightly trafficked (that I could see) road. The fact that he fails to mention the stop sign or cite her for it, considering how contentious the stop became, would seem to indicate he didn't see her run the stop sign. IMO

I agree. I have a very, very difficult time believing BE saw Sandra Bland run a stop sign yet did not even mention it. Please.:facepalm:

First, if BE saw her run the stop sign and didn't give her a warning or ticket nor even didn't mention it to her ...about how important it is to follow the driving laws especially when running a stop sign he wouldn't be doing his job. It's not like he had to pick between the two.

It's his job to cite or warn or at the very least have a conversation with a motorist who is not following the law and could put others and herself in danger. Also, I have a very hard time believing when BE is telling Sandra Bland that "he was only going to give her a warning for the failure to signal during a lane change" that he wouldn't also say something to the effect that he was even doing more than giving her just a warning - he also ignored the fact that she ran a stop sign.... and he was going to let her off the hook on that totally.

It doesn't make sense to me that BE would see a motorist run a stop sign therefore he chooses to make a u-turn and fails to mention to the motorist that not only did she run the stop sign but moments later she also changed lanes without signaling. IMO, if he had witnessed this running of the stop sign: I think he would have started with the traffic violation that initially got his attention and then add to that the additional violation that was made.

Could it happen that a LEO would give a warning for an illegal lane change yet completely ignore the fact that the same motorist also ran a stop sign which is what made the LEO turn around and pursue the motorist? Sure. Anything is possible. I just think it is unlikely.

More, after observing BE during this traffic stop I can't believe for a moment he would let Sandra Bland off the hook without even a mention that she ran a stop sign. That would only have reinforced why he was pulling her over and that is because he observed her first running a stop sign and then moments later making a second traffic violation.

MOO, JMO, IMHO and all of that.

 

[Friday Fan]

I do know that when I went off my prescription, even being weaned from them, the side effects did last after the drug was out of my system. Is it possible that this could have had anything to do with her death? (I've never been on Keppra itself, just similar drugs. Is there a medical person here who knows? TIA)

MOO

ETA Just read Arkansasmimi's post, and realize it wasn't withdrawals that were a problem, but possibly the medication itself. MOO again!

I'm on Neurontin. (An anti-seizure drug) I would get the hebee-jebees if I didn't take it for 24 hours. I don't know anything about Keppra. I do know that most anti-seizure medication tends to be somewhat sedating. (I've also been Depakote and Tegretal which are both anti-seizure meds) All I know is I have to have the stuff in my system everyday or I start seeing flashes of light and get really dizzy.

Did Sandra have an active RX and was she taking the medication daily? If she was the jail should have given it to her. I don't carry my Neurontin or any of my meds in my purse.

 

[arkansasmimi]

looks like possibly gonna get a bunch of video. The judge that speaking said its to prove (paraphrasing) to show that she was Alive and Well when she entered the jail.

 

[BellaVita]

Telling her he is going to light her up? Telling her, " Good, " when she says she has epilepsy? Telling her he is going to yank her out of the car?

If you could make a different scenario and use those words, I think the incredible insanity of his statements would be obvious that they are the ravings of an abuser.

I've always tried to figure out the point of telling him she has epilepsy. A person can say they have anything and I'm sure LE has heard every story in the book. Of course, they do have to be watchful due to communicable diseases. I don't know how off-base this is, but could the cuts on her arms have looked like needle marks? Could that have played into anything?

 

[Confusion]

I've always tried to figure out the point of telling him she has epilepsy. A person can say they have anything and I'm sure LE has heard every story in the book. Of course, they do have to be watchful due to communicable diseases. I don't know how off-base this is, but could the cuts on her arms have looked like needle marks? Could that have played into anything?

She said it after she said he had thrown her down and slammed her head into the ground. A head injury could bring on a seizure. MOO

 

[arkansasmimi]

"The reason we're doing this is because of the misinformation that has been put out -- both through social media and even through mainstream media -- that has led to the rumors that Sandra Bland was in some way deceased, or harmed, or not well when she was brought in to the Waller County Jail," Waller County Judge Trey Duhon told reporters.

He said that Waller County officials have received death threats. They have also received threats against their facilitates.

"We are under cyberattack by individuals like the group called Anonymous, who has claimed that Sandra Bland is deceased in the mugshot. You will see video here today that will show that she was alive and well when her mugshot was taken," said Duhon. http://www.wtae.com/national/authorities-release-sandra-bland-jail-video/34403930

 

[Lilibet]

Telling her he is going to light her up? Telling her, " Good, " when she says she has epilepsy? Telling her he is going to yank her out of the car?

If you could make a different scenario and use those words, I think the incredible insanity of his statements would be obvious that they are the ravings of an abuser.

Watching the video, I see two people who lost control. To me, figuring out who lost control first or who was worse is pointless at this point. In the moment, someone needed to have the sense to back up and de-escalate. If I'm faced with a raving abuser, LE or not, I'm certainly not going to angrily assert my rights at that moment. I'm going to do what I can to calm that person down, even if I have to pretend to appease the person long enough to end the encounter safely. Legal rights can be dealt with later. And what I'm saying goes for both the officer and Sandy. JMO

 

[arkansasmimi]

Well we are suppose to hear what meds she requested and was given IF I read correct.

:summer::wave: be back later...

 

[Montjoy]

Watching the video, I see two people who lost control. To me, figuring out who lost control first or who was worse is pointless at this point. In the moment, someone needed to have the sense to back up and de-escalate.

rsbm --

But the interaction was not taking place between two equal members of the public. One was a sworn officer of the law who has more legal powers and legal and professional responsibilities. The burden was his to deescalate the situation when faced with a (at that point) physically non-violent member of the public. (Even if we assume that SB did assault him at some point, that was far after he had ramped up the situation far beyond what was necessary. I hope he never spends another day as a law enforcement officer.)

 

[K_Z]

Latest article (within the hour) that includes about 2 min of video of SB in booking, mug shot, etc. She is alive, well, and cooperative.

http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/ja...e-of-sandra-bland-before-her-death/ar-AAdBwHi

And from You tube:

[video=youtube;tNn2OAZUROY]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNn2OAZUROY[/video]

(By the way, that's a pretty nice "hang up" garment bag the jail provides for inmate street clothes. Much more respectful than I would have expected.)

 

[Friday Fan]

Well we are suppose to hear what meds she requested and was given IF I read correct.

:summer::wave: be back later...

I would like to know why she wasn't given Keppra? ( I've read that she wasn't given Keppra) Did she not have an active/valid RX? Did she refuse the med? Did the jail fail to contact the pharmacy?

 

[K_Z]

rsbm --

But the interaction was not taking place between two equal members of the public. One was a sworn officer of the law who has more legal powers and legal and professional responsibilities. The burden was his to deescalate the situation when faced with a (at that point) physically non-violent member of the public. (Even if we assume that SB did assault him at some point, that was far after he had ramped up the situation far beyond what was necessary. I hope he never spends another day as a law enforcement officer.)

I think he will probably lose his job, or be forced to resign. I think he should have a reprimand, some leave without pay, and some additional training, but I personally don't think he did anything so egregious he should lose his job forever as a PO.

I think the family will sue him, too. But ultimately I don't think they will get any $$. I think the family will sue the jail/ county, too-- and might get some $$ there, but I still doubt it. Roughly 300 people a year commit suicide in jail or state custody. I'm not convinced at this point in time that this jail did anything overtly, or by negligence, that makes them responsible for SB's suicide. JMO.

 

[Confusion]

I think he will probably lose his job, or be forced to resign. I think he should have a reprimand, some leave without pay, and some additional training, but I personally don't think he did anything so egregious he should lose his job forever as a PO.

I think the family will sue him, too. But ultimately I don't think they will get any $$. I think the family will sue the jail/ county, too-- and might get some $$ there, but I still doubt it. Roughly 300 people a year commit suicide in jail or state custody. I'm not convinced at this point in time that this jail did anything overtly, or by negligence, that makes them responsible for SB's suicide. JMO.

BBM

Apparently the Texas Commission on Jail Standards disagrees with you.

Three days after Bland's death, the Waller County Jail was cited by the Texas Commission on Jail Standards for failing to complete visual face-to-face observations of inmates every 60 minutes, as required by state regulations.

The jail also was cited for failing to produce written records to prove that staff had undergone required yearly training in the recognition, supervision, documentation and handling of inmates who are mentally disabled or potentially suicidal.

The jail failed an inspection in November 2012 for failing to complete hourly observations after an inmate's suicide, according to state records.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/waller-county-jail-procedures_55b16362e4b0a13f9d17eded

 

[Lilibet]

rsbm --

But the interaction was not taking place between two equal members of the public. One was a sworn officer of the law who has more legal powers and legal and professional responsibilities. The burden was his to deescalate the situation when faced with a (at that point) physically non-violent member of the public. (Even if we assume that SB did assault him at some point, that was far after he had ramped up the situation far beyond what was necessary. I hope he never spends another day as a law enforcement officer.)

BBM

I don't disagree with you about whether this officer should continue in law enforcement. The fact that he had more legal powers and the professional responsibility to de-escalate is true. But that is not my point.

My point is that in the moment it doesn't matter who started it and who is more at fault. SOMEONE needed to de-escalate. If I am faced with a police officer who is out of control for whatever reason, why would I continue escalating when he has all the power? My personal safety is more important to me in the moment than being in the right or asserting my legal rights. Screaming and resisting are just going to make the situation worse with the officer. Either one of them (especially the officer) could have and should have stopped the insanity. But I take responsibility for my own actions, and I'm certainly going to do all I can to defuse a situation when I have less power and I'm facing serious consequences. That's just common sense, isn't it? JMO

 

[Elley Mae]

BBM

I don't disagree with you about whether this officer should continue in law enforcement. The fact that he had more legal powers and the professional responsibility to de-escalate is true. But that is not my point.

My point is that in the moment it doesn't matter who started it and who is more at fault. SOMEONE needed to de-escalate. If I am faced with a police officer who is out of control for whatever reason, why would I continue escalating when he has all the power? My personal safety is more important to me in the moment than being in the right or asserting my legal rights. Screaming and resisting are just going to make the situation worse with the officer. Either one of them (especially the officer) could have and should have stopped the insanity. But I take responsibility for my own actions, and I'm certainly going to do all I can to defuse a situation when I have less power and I'm facing serious consequences. That's just common sense, isn't it? JMO

Thank you, this was what I meant when I was pulled over and while looking for my registration I pulled out my cigs & he scolded me by saying it would stunt my growth & he was not as tall as me (5'7"), I could have said something, but I as the one about to get a ticket kept my mouth shut. I will never understand why some folks think it is ok to curse or talk down to a police officer, I just don't see how doing that is going to help them. Yet every time there is a bad cop story, this is what I see, someone that won't listen when a cop tells them what to do. They have an attitude the moment the cop arrives at the vehicle and them cry foul when they get a ticket for the offense they are accused of. idk jmo If you get caught doing something wrong... just own it, pay the fine and move on with life.

 

[PrimeSuspect]

BBM

I don't disagree with you about whether this officer should continue in law enforcement. The fact that he had more legal powers and the professional responsibility to de-escalate is true. But that is not my point.

My point is that in the moment it doesn't matter who started it and who is more at fault. SOMEONE needed to de-escalate. If I am faced with a police officer who is out of control for whatever reason, why would I continue escalating when he has all the power? My personal safety is more important to me in the moment than being in the right or asserting my legal rights. Screaming and resisting are just going to make the situation worse with the officer. Either one of them (especially the officer) could have and should have stopped the insanity. But I take responsibility for my own actions, and I'm certainly going to do all I can to defuse a situation when I have less power and I'm facing serious consequences. That's just common sense, isn't it? JMO

Imo, SB couldn't believe what was happening, and after I watched the video, neither could I.

SB knew her rights and said so in no uncertain terms. I love America for exactly that reason, you stand up for your rights. BE doesn't belong in the force, he chose to escalate a fairly routine situation into something bizarre! It was traumatizing just watching it, and I did many times just to grasp the enormity of it all. What would I do in that situation? All I can say, I won't take crap from no one.

I have a great respect for the police force, where would we be without them? But I've seen first hand the rotten apples that spoil all that is good about this noble profession. They must be weeded out or the system fails, and everyone loses. JMO