Sandra Bland: Timeline of her arrest and death

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Friday, May 24, 2019
It's been 2 years since Sandra Bland's death
Here is a look at everything you need to know about the Sandra Bland case.

PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (KTRK) -- Sandra Bland's arrest and death in the summer of 2015 captured the attention of the nation.

The Prairie View A&M graduate was due to start a temporary job as a summer program associate at the school when she was pulled over for failing to signal a lane change.

Days later, the 28-year-old was dead, setting into motion a long and emotionally charged journey for answers for Bland's family and the Prairie View community.

Here is a timeline of events leading to this somber anniversary:

July 10, 2015

DPS Trooper Brian Encinia pulled Bland over, and took her into custody on accusations she assaulted him. During her intake interview, Bland told officers she attempted suicide after the loss of a baby the year before.

July 13, 2015

After refusing breakfast at 6:30 a.m., Bland requested to make a phone call from her cell, but no call was made. Around 9 a.m., Bland was found hanging in her cell, allegedly after she fashioned a noose with a plastic bag liner.

Exclusive: Sandra Bland's co-inmate recalls conversation before death

Alexandria Pyle says she spoke with Sandra Bland the day before authorities say Bland killed herself in the jail cell

July 14, 2015

More than 100 protesters marched from Waller County Jail to the courthouse to demand an investigation into Bland's death.

July 20, 2015

Officials released jailhouse footage in the Bland case.

July 21, 2015

Dashcam video released from Bland's arrest shows how the traffic stop escalated into a shouting confrontation between her and Encinia.

Authorities say they've asked the FBI and DOJ to help investigate the case

Later that day, a memorial was held for Bland on the campus of Prairie View A&M University.

July 22, 2015

Glitches recorded at the 25- and 26-minute mark of the dashcam video led some people to question whether the video had been edited. DPS said in a statement the video had not been altered. Officials said they requested the FBI examine the video to ensure its integrity.

July 23, 2015

Bland had no defensive injuries on her hands that would indicate a struggle, according to an autopsy. Injuries on her wrists were consistent with a struggle while she was handcuffed, and the medical examiner said marks on Bland's neck were consistent with suicide.

In a two-page inspection report, Texas Commission on Jail Standards found Waller County Jail did not make timely inmate checks.

FULL VIDEO: Waller County officials release new Sandra Bland video

Waller County officials released new video from inside the Waller County Jail

July 27, 2015

Prosecutors named a committee to review the Bland case.

August 4, 2015

A federal lawsuit was filed against Trooper Encinia by the family of Sandra Bland.

September 22, 2015

Prairie View City Council voted to name a city street after Bland.

December 11, 2015

Grand jury began to consider charges in Bland's death.

December 17, 2015

Bland's family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Waller County, DPS and Trooper Encinia.

December 21, 2015

Grand jury refused to indict anyone in connection with Sandra Bland's death.

January 7, 2016

Trooper Encinia indicted on perjury charge and fired by DPS. Encinia turned himself in to the jail where Bland died after her arrest.

March 2, 2016

DPS upholds its decision to fire Encinia.

DPS upholds decision to fire Trooper involved in the Sandra Bland traffic stop

March 22, 2016

Encinia pleads not guilty to charge of perjury.

Rep. Garnet Coleman introduced the Sandra Bland bill in Austin.

September 15, 2016

Bland family's civil suit settled for $1.9 million.

June 2017

Perjury charge dropped against Encinia, who agreed to permanently surrender his TCOLE license.