The Sandra Bland Case
Sandra Bland was reportedly in Austin, Texas interviewing for a position at her former college. Sandra Bland was stopped July 10, 2015 by Trooper Brian Encia in Austin, Texas. She was originally pulled over for failing to signal a lane change. However, this simple traffic stop turned into an arrest and later a claimed suicide because Sandra Bland refused to put out her cigarette and supposedly assaulted the trooper. Did Sandra Bland commit suicide or was she killed to cover up a police officer’s unnecessary arrest? Many facts in this story have revealed that the officer used unnecessary force and threatening words while Bland practiced her rights.
Bland was pulled over for switching lanes without signaling while pulled over she was smoking a cigarette. Trooper Encina proceeded to ask Bland to put out her cigarette, Bland asked if she had to since she was inside of her car. The trooper then asked
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It really only made it worse. The videos were released, but without audio. Many believe that the videos may have been edited or altered in some kind of way. When watching the first version of the video that was released cars seemed to appear and disappear mid screen. A tow truck operator’s image also jumps from outside to inside the vehicle. (2)
Another of many questions about this death is whether or not Sandra Bland was suicidal before this arrest. On the mental health questionnaire filled out by the sheriff’s office a deputy marked “yes” to the question, “Have you ever attempted suicide?” Yet, on the computerized summary of her intake “No” was marked in response to “attempted suicide.” (3) These forms raise the questions of who really filled out these forms and when? Bland also informed the officers that she was diagnosed with epilepsy. Which raises the question as to why she not put on some sort of medical