Sandra Bland. https://t.co/YjgKMNDGKV, A ticket for a FAILURE TO SIGNAL lead to #SandraBlands death at the hands of police. Bryan has the knack to jump right into any coding language and become an expert extremely fast. Needham said that it's a start, but deaths of Blacks caused by police continue. Because all I could think about was the knee in my sister's back from Officer Encinia," said Needham. Still Practicing: Tracking Problem Doctors, Texas Coronavirus Vaccine Rollout Investigations, Sign up for More than the Score Sports newsletter. If convicted, Encinia could face up to a year in jail and a $4,000 fine. How rich is Brian Encinia in 2020-2021? Her death was ruled a suicide. For many Black Americans, these deaths and others have caused lasting trauma, Road trip for suburban woman ends in jailhouse death, BuzzFeed Helped Spread Far-Fetched Conspiracy Theories About Sandra Blands Death, Sandra Bland: Anonymous release video claiming to 'expose Texas police for releasing dead mugshot', Sandra Bland Death: Texas to Look Into Alleged Edits of Dashcam Video, #JusticeForSandy: Sandy Bland Death in Texas Jail Sparks Questions, Sandra Bland death triggers #IfIDieInPoliceCustody trend, Sandra Bland's family settles wrongful death case for $1.9M, Trooper Who Arrested Sandra Band Formally Fired, Newly released Sandra Bland video shows her alive at Texas jail before death, Social media speculates whether Bland is dead in mugshot. Sandra Bland should still be alive. The Bland family received a $1.9 million settlement in their wrongful-death suit. The Texas state trooper who arrested Sandra Bland, the motorist who days later was found hanged in a jail cell, was formally fired on Wednesday, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety. Stories that matter delivered to your inbox. He arrested her for assault on a public servant. Trooper Encinia did not follow the seven step violator contact by not telling the violator what action that he was going to take. The defense team for Brian Encinia, the then-DPS trooper who arrested Sandra Bland, may ask for the trial to be moved outside Waller County. Encinia was eventually charged, but only with perjurya decision that sparked further outrage. It mandates county jails divert people with mental health and substance abuse issues toward treatment. Orta was released in May 2020 and is under court supervision until January 2022. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. He pled guilty to drug and gun charges in 2016 and received a four-year prison sentence. He told me it wouldnt be good for my career, Kelley told McLaughlin, adding that Assistant District Attorney Warren Diepraam also threatened to put him beneath the jail if he went public with his story. "I do believe that one day, I don't know in what capacity, but I do believe that my sister will get some form of justice," Needham said. 2023 BDG Media, Inc. All rights reserved. | Bland is heard on the video crying and in distress as she repeatedly tells officers that they were hurting her and that she couldn't hear after being slammed into the ground. Encinia was eventually charged, but only with perjury a decision that sparked further outrage. The footage shows Bland walking back and forth in the jail's entryway. "Like, how many more? Yes, her blood is in their hands.Police & prosecutors hid her cellphone video of her arrest for 4 years. Encinia pulled Bland over on July 10 for failing to use her traffic signal. USA TODAY reached out to several Facebook users who shared the postsfor comment. A Texas grand jury has opted to indict Brian Encinia, the Texas state trooper who arrested Sandra Bland three days before her July death, and charge . pic.twitter.com/dmhlQAiELZ. In the video, officer Brian Encinia shouts: "Get out of the car! Part of HuffPost Black Voices. Sandra Bland was found dead of suicide in a Texas jail cell in July 2015 after being arrested by state trooper Brian Encinia, who claimed she threatened his safety. The Exit: Teachers Leave. South Carolina officer Michael Slager was charged with murdering Walter Scottbut only after cell phone video from a bystander proved that cops had been lying about Scotts death for days. The post includes a pictureshowing Bland in an orange jumpsuit with her eyes rolled back into her head. Trooper Brian Encinia has been indicted on charges of lying about his arrest of Bland, later found hanged in a jail cell. Brian Encinia, the Texas state trooper who arrested Sandra Bland during a contentious traffic stop, has been indicted on charges of perjury, accused of lying about how he removed . Was Brian Encinia scared during Sandra Bland traffic stop? What happened to State Trooper Brian Encinia? And Kelleys testimony that she had a head wound at the scene might have influenced the grand jury process that ultimately only rung Encinia up on perjury charges. "When these kinds of things continue to occur, it's very very hard for families to heal, for the world to heal. And even though we may have experienced some similar things, the pain is different for everyone. Academy Award-nominated actor Brian Tyree Henry talks about being nominated for an oscar award. As part of the agreement, changes were made to procedures at the Texas jail and sensors were installed to ensure checks on detainees are accurately recorded. I was checking the condition of the vehicle, such as the make, the model, had a license plate, any other conditions.. Even though trooper Brian Encinia had been on the job for about a year, the records give a glimpse of his background. During Bland's arrest, Encinia threatened her with a taser, as Texas state Sen. Royce West confirmed. Kellie Chauvinm. Sandra Bland. (May 7), George Floyd. Brian Encinia Audio Interview after Bland Death (81 minutes), Brian Encinia Interview after Indictment (24 minutes). Encinia wrote in his affidavit that he had Bland exit the vehicle and handcuffed her after she became combative, and that she swung her elbows at him and kicked him in his right shin. That was the only criminal charge he faced. Bland was 28 years old. (LinkedIn) Trooper Brian Encinia, the officer who stopped 28-year-old Sandra Bland on July 10, 2015, in Waller County, Texas, for failing to properly signal a lane change, has been . He completed his education at Texas A&M University. Once in handcuffs and placed on the the ground, the violator stated that she has epilepsy. The trooper, Brian T. Encinia, approached Ms. Bland's car, took her information and returned to his vehicle to write out a citation. On July 10, 2015,Blandwas booked into the Waller Countyjail after being charged with assaulting Encinia,who had stopped Bland for failing to signal a turn while driving. 20102021 The second interview was done on Feb. 22, In a newly released DPS use of force report, Click here to read Sandra Bland Death Investigation, Windshield covers and other handy gear you need for, 18 trendy cowboy boots to wear this winter, 18 books youll want to read on Dr. Seuss Day, Texas House unveils economy, workforce priorities. Trooper Brian Encinia was fired after failing to rebut disciplinary charges leveled against him in January, Public Safety Director Steven McCraw wrote in a letter of final termination. As USA TODAY reported in 2015, video from the Waller County jail provedBland was alive while her mugshots were taken. Sandra Bland/Place of birth. Dashcam video from Encinia's car showed him holding a stun gun and threatening, "I will light you up!" "He got a bogus charge. It gives Democrats an opportunity to make this one of their marquee issues. I still did have a concern for the area of her control that I didnt know what was there, but I do agree that things couldve been done differently, said Encinia, when asked if he could have de-escalated the situation by telling Bland she was only being given a warning for the traffic violation. . "You have to be the best person that you can be, because you don't know who you are going to encounter on that day," said Needham. Former Texas Department of Public Safety trooper Brian Encinia claimed in newly released interview recordings that he feared for his safety but could not explain . But the lack of an indictment is a strong indicator that Encinia won't get his day in court. I think things couldve been handled differently, yes sir. This decision does not mean that Encinia will not face criminal charges. Atlantic City Sergeant Mark Benjamin says he got a death threat after reporting officers for abuse of force. The exchange escalated, resulting in Blands arrest and a charge of assaulting a police officer.Death of Sandra Bland. 2005-2022 Community Impact Newspaper Co. All rights reserved. He has 15 days . As of early 2020, he was in solitary confinement in Collins Correctional Facility. Updated October 27, 2020. Those who believe that addressing police violence should be part of the ongoing conversation about criminal justice reform will likely be looking to the individuals hoping to replace Trump to provide solutions to a problem that continues to plague communities nationwide. Heres How You Can Make A Difference In Honour Of Brianna Ghey, Morgan Doughty Filed A Lawsuit Against The Murdaugh Family, The Woman Nikole Hannah-Jones Credits With Her Career Success, Heres How To Watch The Alex Murdaugh Trial Live, Get Even More From Bustle Sign Up For The Newsletter. Othersquestioned how a routine traffic stop could have escalated to an assault charge. (Designed by Jos Dennis/Community Impact Newspaper). Dash cam video shows Encinia, who later claimed that he was attempting to safely conduct a traffic investigation, threatening to use his taser, saying that he was going to light up Bland. Encinia, who still awaits trial on the perjury indictment, may appeal his firing under department rules. New footage casts doubt on his . She and eight other Mothers of the Movementseven of whom lost their children to police violence, one of whom lost her daughter to gang violence in Chicago, and one of whom had her son killed by a white Florida man who had gotten angry with he and his friends for playing music too loudplayed a prominent role in Tuesday nights Democratic National Convention proceedings. I will light you up!. 2020. If you use a windshield cover, you can at least forget about scrapping the ice off your windshield to save some time and hassle. The Texas Department of Public Safety released a statement announcing that Encinia would be placed on indefinite desk duty for violations of department protocols on July 17, four days after Bland was found dead in her Waller County jail cell. Blands family said it was never shown the clip and called on Texas officials to reopen a criminal investigation against the arresting officer. The hacker group Anonymous stoked the flames of conspiracywhen itreleased a video claiming law enforcement officials murdered Bland during the traffic stop and took mugshot photos of her body to cover their tracks. Brian Encinia given written counseling while a probationary trooper Texas officials say Encinia violated internal policies during traffic stop The boots of Texas Department of Public Safety. Maybe she got kicked, he told the Huffington Posts Michael McLaughlin. Find Brian Encinia current Net worth as well as Salary, Bio, Age, Height and Quick Facts! The Texas Department of Public Safety laterfired Encinia for escalating the situation during the traffic stop. Comments are off for this post. A Waller County judge is expected to issue an arrest warrant for Encinia in the coming days. FILE - In this July 10, 2015 image made from dashcam video provided by the Texas Department of Public Safety, then-Trooper Brian Encinia arrests Sandra Bland after a routine traffic stop led to a . "I'm angry. HEMPSTEAD, Texas (AP) A judge dismissed a misdemeanor perjury charge against a fired Texas state trooper Wednesday in a case arising from his 2015 arrest of Sandra Bland, a black woman who was later found dead in a county jail. Joe Crystal was a rising star in the Baltimore Police Department until he blew the whistle on fellow cops who had covered up a brutal beating of a handcuffed suspect, and was hounded out of the department. I unequivocally state that he never approached me, my first assistant, or any member of my staff with any such information, Mathis wrote to the Houston Chronicle. CapMetro apologizes for post-Austin FC game service, APA! In May, the world responded with protests and riots after George Floyd died in Minneapolis police custody. I didnt know if a crime was being committed, had been committed or whatnot, said the trooper. This case should be reopened and justice should finally be served., Nina Turner, co-chair of the presidential campaign of Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), called the video gut-wrenching and unacceptable.. He has not mentioned Bland since this new video was released. Students Suffer. Essence may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. How many more videos do we have to see before law enforcement does something. In the podcast Texas Standard, Jim Harrington, director of the Texas Civil Rights Project, says that Encinia had no legal authority to order Bland to put out her cigarette or to exit her car. Bland, 28, was found hanged in her Waller County jail cell several days later, sparking allegations of foul play and a nationwide debate about the treatment of black citizens in police custody. President Trump has largely defended law enforcement officers since launching his campaign. Nationwide tensions over the deathsof Black Americans in police custody particularly at traffic stopsandevidence that law enforcement officialsedited several segments from the dashcam videoalso heightened skepticism. But Encinia said he didnt know what he was arresting Bland for but would come up with something, Kelley says. When speaking with Trooper Encinia about this he said that he had no intentions of being rude. At the conclusion of this investigation, any violations of protocols will be addressed. Al Sharpton, when he clearly said, Black lives matter.. The images aired Monday night marked the first time that most people had seen the traffic encounter as Ms. It continues to happen. The new video from Sandra Bland's vantage point shows former Texas State Trooper Brian Encinia pulling a taser on her as she sat in the . Bland had driven through a stop sign as she left the Prairie View A&M campus, but the trooper admitted he was unsure if it was on private or public property. Brian Encinia, the Texas trooper who arrested Sandra Bland, had been warned about "unprofessional conduct" in 2014, according to documents obtained by the . The 30-year old Trooper Encinia is now on administrative duty for violating . Bland's sister said there is a bond among families of Blacks killed by officers. His attorney did not return our call. Offers may be subject to change without notice. When George Floyd died last spring, emotions from the Bland family tragedy were rekindled. How many more bodies do we have to see? Encinia had claimed in an affidavit that Bland was combative and uncooperative, which grand jurors determined to be untrue. Encinia is still assigned to administrative duty for the policy violations. Celeb News; Actor; Actress; Web Stars; . The traffic stop quickly escalated and Bland was arrested. Brian Encinia, charged with perjury in the arrest of Sandra Bland, has turned himself in to authorities and is now out on bail. This week, a Dallas news station obtained a cellphone clip recorded by Sandra Bland. Oct. 13, 2016 Updated: Oct. 13, 2016 3:53 p.m. 21. Begin typing your search term above and press enter to search. We do not know exactly where he is right now in 2020. In late July 2015,Waller County, Texas, officialsreleased several hours of video footage showing Bland walking around the jail and sitting for her mugshot. After reviewing the in-car video of the incident and speaking with Trooper Encinia, I have the following concerns: I believe that the concerns listed above are training related. Still,some people felt the details of the case weretoo strange to be true. Naperville, IL A . AFacebook post from June 2020 that is regaining tractionrepeats theclaim that Bland was dead in her mugshotand purports to have photographic evidence. Activist Brittany Packnett, a member of President Barack Obamas Task Force on 21st Century Policing, told The Fix that these conversations must be revisited despite how challenging they can be. Although Sen. Kamala D. Harris (D-Cal.) Over a year after Sandra Bland died in police custody, an officer involved in the case is giving the world a glimpse into how the blue wall of silence works inside the law enforcement industry. The charge against Brian Encinia was dropped after he agreed to surrender his state law enforcement . The video calls into question the officers account of the event. Police say Sandra Bland killed herself in jail. Waller County officials released video that shows Bland alive as her mugshot wastaken. Now, Bland's family is alleging that the Texas Department of Public Safety . The DA also insinuated Kelley is only trying to distract from his own misdemeanor indictment over using a taser on city councilman Jonathan Miller in 2015. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Id like to see candidates continue to take the right stances, even if they are difficult, she said. Im too furious to add anything else constructive at the moment. Waller County settled a wrongful death lawsuit withBlands family for $1.9 million. "I'm angry, absolutely. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Im sure many people would rather not bring Sandra Bland back up again. 5:15 PM Jul 23, 2020 CDT, Here is a list of events leading to the Sandra Bland Act, which became a state law in 2017. Create your free profile or log in to save this video. And they want us to trust law enforcement," Needham said. subscribe to our print edition, ad-free app or electronic newspaper replica here. Nation Aug 1, 2015 3:44 PM EST. Both incriminating details were removed from Kelleys incident report before it was officially filed, the officer says. 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