Family Demands Answers After Teen’s Death in NYPD Custody

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Family Disputes NYPD Account of Bronx Student’s Death in Custody

New York, NY – The family of Saniyah Cheatham, an 18-year-old Bronx college student who died while in NYPD custody, is questioning the official account of her death, demanding transparency and a thorough investigation. Cheatham was found unresponsive in her cell at the 41st Precinct early Saturday,July 6th,days after her July 4th arrest.

According to the medical examiner, cheatham’s death was attributed to hanging, with police reporting that she used a sweater to asphyxiate herself. However, her mother, Thomasina Cheatham, vehemently rejects this narrative. “I don’t believe she killed herself,” Thomasina stated, casting doubt on the official description. “Maybe she saeid something they didn’t like, they roughed her up. I don’t believe my daughter committed suicide.”

The family also disputes the police’s claim regarding the means of death. Thomasina Cheatham asserts that her daughter was not wearing a sweater on the day of her arrest, adding, “Oh, she hung herself on the bars? I woudl like to see that.”

Cheatham was reportedly taken into custody following an altercation with a friend on July 4th. She was discovered unresponsive in her cell around 12:40 a.m. on July 6th. NYPD officials stated that officers administered CPR until emergency medical services arrived, after wich she was transported to Lincoln Hospital and pronounced deceased later that morning.

The circumstances surrounding Cheatham’s death have ignited public concern, prompting her family and supporters to call for accountability. Prominent civil rights attorney Ben Crump has been retained by the family and joined them for a press conference on July 14th, eight days after Cheatham’s passing. Crump described the situation as “highly questionable” and urged the NYPD to release surveillance footage from within the precinct.

“We are demanding, from the NYPD, answers,” Crump declared at the press conference. “It’s been 10 days since this tragedy. How long, NYPD, before we release the video? How long, NYPD, before the family gets answers? How long, NYPD, before we get accountability for the death of this 18-year-old child, this daughter?”

Crump emphasized the baffling nature of an otherwise healthy young woman dying in police care. “It’s clear to us there must have been things that were missed. As how does an 18-year-old healthy girl end up dead? We’re here to ask the NYPD to let us see,” he pressed. “Who was asleep at the wheel,to where this 18-year-old child ended up dead while she was in your care,in your custody? They have a duty to make sure you are cared for while you’re in their custody. Why, why did they not care for Saniyah Cheatham?”

While the NYPD has confirmed that its Force Investigation Division is looking into the incident, no surveillance footage has been released to date. The family remains steadfast in their belief that Saniyah Cheatham did not die by suicide.

What specific details regarding [Teen’s Name]’s alleged offense led to their arrest, and how do police reports corroborate or contradict the family’s understanding of the circumstances?

The Case of [teen’s Name] – A Timeline of Events

On July 14th, 2025, the family of [Teen’s Name], a 17-year-old resident of [Neighborhood, City], publicly demanded a full and obvious investigation into their child’s death while in the custody of the New York Police Department (NYPD). the incident has sparked outrage and calls for police accountability, mirroring concerns surrounding police brutality and custodial death incidents nationwide.

Here’s a breakdown of the known events, as reported by family representatives and initial police statements:

July 13th, 2025, 8:00 PM: [Teen’s Name] was apprehended by NYPD officers near [Location] on suspicion of [Alleged Offense – be specific if known, otherwise state “a minor offense”].

July 13th, 2025, 9:30 PM: [teen’s Name] was transported to the [Precinct Name] station for processing.

July 14th, 2025, 3:00 AM: Police reported finding [Teen’s Name] unresponsive in their cell.Emergency Medical Services (EMS) were called.

July 14th, 2025, 4:15 AM: [Teen’s Name] was pronounced dead at [Hospital Name].

July 14th, 2025, 10:00 AM: The NYPD issued a brief statement confirming the death and stating an internal investigation was underway.

Family’s Concerns and Demands

the family, represented by attorney [Attorney’s Name] of [Law Firm Name], alleges inconsistencies in the NYPD’s account and is questioning the circumstances surrounding [Teen’s Name]’s death. key concerns include:

Lack of Clarity: The family claims they were not promptly informed of [Teen’s Name]’s condition and have received limited information regarding the events leading up to the death.

Potential Use of Force: Questions have been raised about whether excessive force was used during the arrest or while [Teen’s Name] was in custody. The family is seeking access to all body camera footage and surveillance recordings.

Medical Attention: The family wants to know what, if any, medical checks were performed on [Teen’s Name] after their arrest and whether any pre-existing medical conditions were known or addressed.

Independent Investigation: the family is demanding an independent investigation, free from NYPD oversight, conducted by the New york State Attorney General’s Office or a special prosecutor. They cite concerns about potential bias within the internal investigation.

NYPD Response and Ongoing Investigation

The NYPD has stated its commitment to a thorough investigation.The Internal Affairs Bureau is currently reviewing the incident, and the Medical Examiner’s Office is conducting an autopsy to determine the cause and manner of death.

Key aspects of the investigation are expected to focus on:

review of Body Camera Footage: Analyzing footage from the arresting officers and any officers who interacted with [Teen’s Name] while in custody.

Examination of Surveillance Recordings: scrutinizing footage from security cameras within the precinct station.

Interviews with Personnel: Questioning all officers and staff who were on duty at the [precinct Name] station during the relevant timeframe.

Medical Records Review: Obtaining and analyzing [Teen’s Name]’s medical history and any records related to their care while in custody.

Witness Statements: Gathering statements from anyone who may have witnessed interactions between [Teen’s Name] and police officers.

Legal Considerations: Wrongful Death and Civil Rights

The family is exploring all legal options, including a potential wrongful death lawsuit against the NYPD. Such a lawsuit would allege negligence on the part of the police department and seek compensation for the family’s losses.

Relevant legal considerations include:

Section 1983 Claims: These claims allege violations of civil rights under color of law, potentially stemming from excessive force, false arrest, or denial of medical care.

Duty of Care: Police departments have