Overview

• On July 14 the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner officially determined that 18-year-old Saniyah Cheatham died by hanging herself in a holding cell at the 41st Precinct and was pronounced dead at Lincoln Hospital.
• The medical examiner’s office said it has discussed its findings with Cheatham’s family and will provide the full autopsy report along with all supporting documentation.
• The NYPD’s Force Investigation Division has opened a review of the incident as the department continues its internal inquiry into the circumstances of her death.
• Civil rights attorney Ben Crump has joined the family’s legal team and is demanding release of stationhouse surveillance video and detailed records of Cheatham’s arrest and treatment.
• Cheatham’s mother said the teenager was in good spirits at a family barbecue hours before her July 4 arrest, heightening the family’s calls for transparency.