19-Year-Old Girl With Mental Issues Dies In Jail

The family of a 19-year-old girl who died in a jail cell while being held for a misdemeanour is demanding answers concerning her death.

Detectives discovered Noni Battiste-Kosoko unresponsive in her Fulton County jail cell in Georgia at 6.30 p.m. on July 11. She had been jailed at the Atlanta City Detention Center on a misdemeanour bench warrant since 20 May, after failing to appear in court to answer trespassing and vandalism allegations from February.

According to the sheriff’s office, they discovered Battiste-Kosoko by herself, with ‘no visible symptoms of injury’ and no cause of death determined.

A spokeswoman for her family revealed earlier this month that she suffered from mental illness and that they were determined to find out what happened to her.

“Our family is committed to uncovering all the facts surrounding this shocking and unfortunate occurrence,” a statement said.

Read Also: Man Sentenced To One Year In Jail For Blasting Music And Disturbing Neighbours

“If it is discovered that Noni’s death is the fault of those who were responsible for her care, they will be held accountable.”

Her family are desperate to get to the bottom of things, with mum Shashu Battiste telling Atlanta News First: “My child was arrested for a misdemeanour and died in jail.

“And we want answers!”

The 19-year-old girl relatives have subsequently put up a GoFundMe page to aid with funeral and legal expenses, and attorneys have stated that they want to issue an Ante Litem notification to Fulton County, implying that a lawsuit could be on the way.

Dr Roderick Edmond, attorney for the Battiste family, added: “At this time, all we know is that the Fulton County Jail has major issues with healthcare and Noni died mysteriously while in their custody.”

The US Department of Justice stated in July, two days after Battiste-Kosoko’s murder, that it had launched a civil investigation into conditions in Fulton County jails.

According to a press release, the investigation will look into whether Fulton County and the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office discriminate against those with mental illnesses inside the jail.

Ryan K. Buchanan, US Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia, said: “All Georgians deserve fairness from the institutions that serve us, including our local jails.

“The recent allegations of filthy housing teeming with insects, rampant violence resulting in death and injuries, and officers using excessive force are cause for grave concern and warrant a thorough investigation.

“This investigation is part of our ongoing efforts to ensure that citizens are safe, and their constitutional rights protected, even while they are in custody.”