The family of Noni Battiste-Kosoko is seeking answers after the 19-year-old young woman died while in custody at the Atlanta City Detention Center on July 11.
The sheriff’s office announced Noni’s death saying she was “found in her cell by herself with no obvious signs of injury.”
Noni Battiste-Kosoko was in jail after she was arrested on May 20 by the Union City Police Department on a misdemeanor bench warrant.
Although she had a $2,000 bond, it was on hold due to outstanding charges in Miami-Dade County, Florida.
The sheriff’s office said Battiste-Kosoko was found unresponsive on July 11 at 6:36 p.m. during dinner rounds.
She was pronounced deceased after medical and Atlanta Fire Rescue personnel responded.
Noni’s family has retained an attorney and they want answers.
Her mother, Shashu Battiste, said, “My child was arrested for a misdemeanor and died in jail. And, we want answers!”
Battiste-Kosko’s family has retained the Edmond & Lindsay, LLP firm in Noni’s death, a release said, and the press conference Wednesday will be held at their offices at 10 a.m.
Edmond & Lindsay, LLP will send the required Ante Litem notice to Fulton County, putting them on notice that a lawsuit may be filed because of Noni’s death,” the law firm’s release stated.
The case echoes the 2015 incident involving Sandra Bland, a 28-year-old African American woman who died in a Texas jail cell three days after being arrested for a traffic violation.
Bland’s death was ruled a suicide, but her family and supporters questioned the circumstances and alleged racial bias in her arrest and treatment. The case sparked widespread protests and debates about racial inequality in the U.S. criminal justice system, leading to legal changes and renewed focus on police conduct and jail safety. Noni’s death may similarly prompt questions and concerns about the treatment of those in custody.
