Saniyah Cheatham Arrest and Death Investigation Update
Saniyah Cheatham was taken into custody on July 4 following an altercation with her girlfriend, according to reports. Tragically, a few hours later, she was found deceased in her jail cell, reportedly due to suicide by hanging. Her family is questioning the police’s explanation of the events leading to her death.
The family of the 18-year-old Bronx Community College student is seeking transparency from law enforcement regarding the circumstances surrounding her passing. They are being represented by civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who has called for the immediate release of all pertinent videos, including surveillance footage from the 41st Precinct where Saniyah was detained.
Despite the official determination of suicide by hanging, Saniyah’s mother, Thomasina Cheatham, disputes this account and believes her daughter did not take her own life. She insists that Saniyah did not exhibit any suicidal tendencies and is questioning the details provided by the police, including the alleged use of a sweater in the incident.
During a press conference, Thomasina and Crump demanded answers and accountability from the authorities, emphasizing the need to understand what truly happened to Saniyah Cheatham. The family is also calling for the release of her autopsy report to shed light on the circumstances of her death.
As the NYPD’s Force Investigation Division continues to look into the case, the family is determined to seek justice and clarity for Saniyah. For those in need of mental health support or assistance, resources such as the 988 helpline are available 24/7.