Police: Woman died in holding cell while awaiting hearing
MOUNT VERNON, N.Y. - Officials are investigating after a woman died in a holding cell in Mount Vernon, about 20 miles north of new York City, after waiting two days for arraignment on a shoplifting arrest.
Mount Vernon Mayor Ernest Davis said Rayette Turner was found dead Monday afternoon.
Police officials said Turner, 42, was arrested Saturday at a wholesale food store and was being held for a Monday arraignment.
They said on Sunday night, she reported not feeling well and was taken by ambulance to a hospital, then returned to her cell a few hours later.
The officials say Turner was found dead at 2 p.m. Monday, when she was to be arraigned.
An autopsy was pending.
The death in Texas of a jailed woman earlier this month has drawn national attention. Sandra Bland was was arrested on a charge of assault of a public servant in Waller County, Texas, on July 10, and was found dead in her a jail cell July 13.
Authorities say she hanged herself, but family members and friends have questioned that account.