The family of Sandra Bland, the Illinois woman found dead in a Texas jail cell last month, filed a lawsuit Tuesday in Houston seeking to hold people involved in her death accountable.
"We are looking for Waller County and the individuals involved to take accountability," said Cannon Lambert Sr., who is representing the family.
The lawsuit is filed against Trooper Brian Encinia, the sheriff of Waller County, Texas, two of the jailers and the Texas Department of Public Safety, Lambert said.
Encinia arrested Bland on July 10 in Waller County, Texas. Three days later, on July 13, she was found dead in a jail cell in Hempstead, Texas. Officials say she used a plastic bag to hang herself.
Many of Bland's family, friends and others on social media worldwide have questioned that explanation. They say she was about to start a new job at Prairie View A&M University, her alma mater.
The 28-year-old was pulled over for failing to signal while changing lanes. She was arrested for allegedly kicking Encinia during a traffic stop near Prairie View A&M. Dashcam video does not make clear whether or not that happened, but does show the encounter quickly escalating after Encinia tells Bland to put out her cigarette.
The trooper was put on desk duty for violating procedures during the stop.
"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.
"This family needs an answer to the principle question of what happened to Sandra Bland. It's why we filed suit," he said.
The family would like the Department of Justice to get involved as they said the case requires a fresh set of eyes.
Last week, Waller County officials released hours of video of Bland inside the jail to try to disprove claims of foul play.
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