The family of a teenage woman who died in a jail cell while being held for a misdemeanor are demanding answers about her death.
Noni Battiste-Kosoko was found unresponsive
in her Fulton County jail cell in Georgia at around 6.30pm on 11 July by
detectives. She had been held at the Atlanta City Detention Center since 20 May
on a misdemeanor bench warrant, having failed to show up in court to respond to
trespassing and vandalism charges from February.
The sheriff’s office said they found
Battiste-Kosoko by herself, and that she had ‘no obvious signs of injury’, with
no cause of death yet determined.
Earlier this month, a spokesperson for her
family confirmed she battled mental illness, saying they were determined to
find out what happened to her.
"Our family is committed to uncovering
all the facts surrounding this shocking and unfortunate occurrence," a
statement said.
"If it is discovered that Noni’s death
is the fault of those who were responsible for her care, they will be held
accountable."
Her family are desperate to get to the bottom
of things, with mum Shashu Battiste telling Atlanta News First: “My child was
arrested for a misdemeanor and died in jail.
“And we want answers!”
A GoFundMe has since been set up by her
relatives to help with funeral and legal costs, with attorneys saying they
intend to send an Ante Litem notice to Fulton County, suggesting a lawsuit
could be on its way.
Dr. Roderick Edmond, attorney for the
Battiste family, added: “At this time, all we know is that the Fulton County
Jail has major issues with healthcare and Noni died mysteriously while in their
custody.”
In July, two days after Battiste-Kosoko's
death, the US Department of Justice, confirmed it had opened a civil
investigation into conditions at Fulton County jails.
A press release said the investigation would
examine whether Fulton County and the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office
discriminate against people with psychiatric disabilities inside the jail.
Ryan K. Buchanan, US Attorney for the
Northern District of Georgia, said: "All Georgians deserve fairness from
the institutions that serve us, including our local jails.
"The recent allegations of filthy
housing teeming with insects, rampant violence resulting in death and injuries,
and officers using excessive force are cause for grave concern and warrant a
thorough investigation.
“This investigation is part of our ongoing
efforts to ensure that citizens are safe, and their constitutional rights
protected, even while they are in custody."
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