Raynette Turner, 43, has become the fifth black woman to die in police custody this month.
Turner, who was a mother of eight, was arrested on July 25 for shoplifting. Two days later, her husband of 23 years, Herman, waited in court for her to be read her charges, only for her to never arrive and for him to be sent home. It took the detectives two days to go to his house and tell him that Mrs. Turner had passed away.
Arrested in Mount Vernon, New York, officials have said that there was “no foul play,” and that she had taken ill, but Mr. Turner believes that is a “bare-faced lie.”
State Attorney General Eric Scheneiderman has been tasked with a new team, who are investigating police officers involved in deaths of civilians, and it is believed that he will be investigating Mrs. Turner’s death.
Mrs. Turner previously had bariatric surgery and hypertension. She was taken to the hospital, and then returned to her cell. These blocks are monitored by video and the inmates are checked hourly.
An autopsy is being done and the results are expected soon.
Our thoughts are with her family at this difficult time. May she rest in peace.
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