The parties also agreed in writing that the potential settlement was to remain confidential until finalized, after which time it would be public record.
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In the lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, Reed-Veal said that jail personnel “were willful, wanton and reckless” in dealing with her daughter. “There’s a sense of God’s justice for me”.
Bland’s death in July 2015, coming amid an intense national debate over how police officers treat black Americans, prompted national protests. Video from dashboard-mounted camera in the police vehicle driven by Texas Trooper Brian Encinia, who is white, indicated Bland was ordered to put out a cigarette, which she did not do.
“I am in my auto. Why do I have to put out my cigarette?”
“The reality of it is that when you have an in-custody death, there are people responsible”, Lambert told NBC5.
A dashcam video showed him shouting at Bland and failing to answer her when she asked repeatedly why she was being arrested. But, she added, “I feel so excited that now we have real change that’s about to happen right there in Waller County”. The findings also show she had marijuana in her system and that about 30 cuts along Bland’s wrist were likely self-inflicted some weeks before her arrest. Later, she can be heard saying: “You’re a real man now”.
No one faced prosecution for causing Bland’s death, although the arresting officer was indicted for perjury, and was subsequently fired from the police department. “Force was used to subdue Bland to the ground, to which Bland continued to fight back”.
Bland was taken into custody, charged with assaulting a public servant.
July 16, 2015: The Texas Department of Public Safety announces Encinia has been placed on administrative leave.
Her death was classified as a suicide, but activists and Bland’s family question the ruling.
A judge ordered the FBI to release a report of the Texas Rangers’ investigation into Bland’s death to the family earlier this year.
“Waller County will pay the family $1.8 million”. Some changes include using automated electronic sensors to ensure timely cell checks, providing an on-duty staff nurse or emergency medical technician for all shifts, and providing continuing education for jailer screening, according to CNN.
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Local officials in Texas insisted the agreement was not yet final, but the mother’s attorney said the deal was “absolute” and that the family’s lawsuit would be dismissed in several days. He also says the county “vigorously” denies any fault or wronging in Bland’s death.
