Familial Tragedy: NYPD Under Fire for Handling of Teenager's Custody and Mental Health
The family of Saniyah Cheatham, an 18-year-old Bronx girl who died by suicide in police custody, has filed a lawsuit against the New York City Police Department (NYPD), alleging that their negligence led to her untimely death. According to court documents, Cheatham's mother had previously expressed suicidal thoughts while in police custody and specifically stated she would attempt to harm herself if left alone in a cell.
Despite this warning, officers allegedly left Cheatham unattended in a holding cell with only a sweater for comfort. Surveillance footage appears to show the teenager hanging herself from the sweater, yet no intervention or medical assistance was provided. The family's petition claims that Cheatham was being "unlawfully detained" at the precinct and that her mental health needs were completely disregarded.
The NYPD has been accused of failing to adequately address the mental health issues of individuals in custody, leading to tragic consequences. The family is seeking a court order requiring the department to preserve all records related to this case, in an effort to uncover the truth behind Cheatham's death and potentially hold those responsible accountable.
This latest development marks another chapter in the long list of controversies surrounding police treatment of mentally ill individuals. The case serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for reform and improved training for law enforcement officials on mental health crisis management.
The family of Saniyah Cheatham, an 18-year-old Bronx girl who died by suicide in police custody, has filed a lawsuit against the New York City Police Department (NYPD), alleging that their negligence led to her untimely death. According to court documents, Cheatham's mother had previously expressed suicidal thoughts while in police custody and specifically stated she would attempt to harm herself if left alone in a cell.
Despite this warning, officers allegedly left Cheatham unattended in a holding cell with only a sweater for comfort. Surveillance footage appears to show the teenager hanging herself from the sweater, yet no intervention or medical assistance was provided. The family's petition claims that Cheatham was being "unlawfully detained" at the precinct and that her mental health needs were completely disregarded.
The NYPD has been accused of failing to adequately address the mental health issues of individuals in custody, leading to tragic consequences. The family is seeking a court order requiring the department to preserve all records related to this case, in an effort to uncover the truth behind Cheatham's death and potentially hold those responsible accountable.
This latest development marks another chapter in the long list of controversies surrounding police treatment of mentally ill individuals. The case serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for reform and improved training for law enforcement officials on mental health crisis management.