It’s been less than a fortnight since Sandra Bland was found dead at Waller County Jail. Her story made international headlines and, while the investigation is still underway, it is still provoking debate online.
Now a second woman, Ralkina Jones, has been found dead in a police cell at Cleveland Heights City Jail.
Jones, 37, was accused of hitting her ex-husband outside of a food shop before getting into her car and driving away. She was later arrested but her former spouse decided not to press charges.
But while in custody, Jones died and was discovered by officers on Sunday morning.
The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner has said that Jones suffered no suspicious injuries following a preliminary autopsy but officials are awaiting a full report.
According to reports, around 7:15pm on Saturday evening officers noticed Jones looked sluggish. She was accessed at hospital and sent back. At 12:45am on Sunday officers checked on and say she appeared fine but, at 7:30am, they found her dead.
Jones’ sister Renee Ashford claims nothing was wrong when she spoke with her.
She was perfectly fine. She didn't complain of nothing, saying she was hurting or anything,” she told Cleveland.com.
“Every time we call we don't get an answer and that's the upsetting part. One thing I could say about my sister is she would want us to find out why? You can't just tell me one minute I see my sister and the next day, she dead.”
The investigation is on-going.