The family of Sandra Bland has reached a settlement in the wrongful death suit filed after she was found hanging in her jail cell following a questionable arrest for a routine traffic stop last July.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Bland family attorney Cannon Lambert confirmed to NBC News that the family had reached a $1.9 million settlement agreement with the Waller County Sheriff’s Office.
In accordance with the terms of the settlement, the Waller County Sherif’s Office agreed to ensure that their jail cells are equipped with sensors to provide for timely cell checks and make provisions for a nurse to be on duty around the clock.
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The jail will also request state legislation for additional funding to be allocated towards improving their training, booking and screening procedures.
Bland was found hanging in her jail cell three days after being booked following a confrontation with a police officer during a routine traffic stop in Waller County, Texas. Police later released dashcam video footage that appeared to have been edited, which shows Bland being arrested after questioning the officer about why he needed her to get out of her car when she was only pulled over for failing to signal a lane change.
A second video filmed by a bystander hears Bland say that she was having trouble breathing while lying on the ground in handcuffs after accusing the arresting officer of slamming her head into the ground.
Her death sparked nationwide outrage that only grew after her death was controversially ruled a suicide by the Waller County Medical Examiner.
Arresting officer Brian Encinia was not charged in connection with Bland’s death, but was later fired and indicted on perjury charges. A former guard at the Waller County jail also admitted to falsifying Bland’s jail records after she was booked.