Amplifying Black voices through news that matters. pic.twitter.com/dmhlQAiELZ. He might be in the clear currently, but where is Brian Encinia now? Her friends and family vigorously denied she would have taken her life, saying suicide was "unfathomable.". The decision to fire Brian Encinia, the Texas state trooper who arrested Sandra Bland, was upheld by the Texas Department of Public Safety, a news release says. And he was met with applause last month while speaking at a convention of the National Action Network, founded by the Rev. Still Practicing: Tracking Problem Doctors, Texas Coronavirus Vaccine Rollout Investigations, Sign up for More than the Score Sports newsletter. CapMetro apologizes for post-Austin FC game service, APA! Sandra Bland's name appeared with others on t-shirts and signs at Black Lives Matter protests. ESSENCE.com is part of ESSENCE Communications, Inc. He completed his education at Texas A&M University. Heres How You Can Make A Difference In Honour Of Brianna Ghey, Morgan Doughty Filed A Lawsuit Against The Murdaugh Family, The Woman Nikole Hannah-Jones Credits With Her Career Success, Heres How To Watch The Alex Murdaugh Trial Live, Get Even More From Bustle Sign Up For The Newsletter. Trayvon Martin. Former San Antonio mayor Julin Castro weighed in as well: The recently released video Sandra Bland took of her own arrest provides the latest example of a police justification for the death of an unarmed black person being revealed as a flat out lie, he wrote. In June 2017, Encinia agreed to a plea deal that dropped his charge; in exchange, he had to agree not to appeal his firing, surrender his police license and never reapply. I will light you up!. Brian Encinia Audio Interview after Bland Death (81 minutes), Brian Encinia Interview after Indictment (24 minutes). A Texas trooper indicted over his arrest of a black woman who was later found dead in jail has been formally fired, three months after his bosses first announced they would do so, state officials . Three days later, Bland was found dead in jail, of an apparent suicide. AUSTIN, Texas (AP) Cellphone video recorded by Sandra Bland, a black woman found dead in a Texas jail following a confrontational 2015 traffic stop, shows for the first time her perspective as a white state trooper draws his stun gun and points it at close range while ordering her out of her car HEMPSTEAD, Texas (AP) A judge dismissed a misdemeanor perjury charge against a fired Texas state trooper Wednesday in a case arising from his 2015 arrest of Sandra Bland, a black woman who was later found dead in a county jail Connect with the definitive source for global and local news. Encinia said he then used force to subdue Bland to the ground, and she continued to fight back. Encinia, who also has been indicted on a criminal charge of perjury, stopped Bland for what police said was failure to signal a lane change and arrested her after a confrontation that began when he ordered her to put out her cigarette. Bland was pulled over for a minor traffic violation on July 10 by State Trooper Brian Encinia. Bystander video shows Bland on the ground after she had been pulled from her car. Was Brian Encinia scared during Sandra Bland traffic stop? (Video: Texas Department of Public Safety). Essence may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. In the preliminary review of the traffic stop that occurred in Prairie View on July 10, 2015, involving Sandra Bland, we have identified violations of the departments procedures regarding traffic stops and the departments courtesy policy. The Washington Post reported that the number of fatal shootings by police increased in 2018 compared to 2017, according to an ongoing Washington Post database project that tracks the fatal shootings. Sections of the document are heavily redacted. subscribe to our print edition, ad-free app or electronic newspaper replica here. Celeb News; Actor; Actress; Web Stars; . told the Huffington Posts Michael McLaughlin, Maintained by Center for American Progress - Action Fund. But for all that attention, and video evidence suggesting Blands only offense was getting angry with a cop she felt was mistreating her, the exact circumstances of her death remain unknown. . In order for families, and the world, to begin to even trust law enforcement, there has to be accountability," she said. Naperville, IL Menu. All information will be forwarded to OIG for further investigation. I'm angry that my sister passed five years ago and they are still killing us. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Sandra Bland's own video of traffic stop surfaces, Cellphone video recorded by Sandra Bland, a black woman found dead in a Texas jail following a 2015 traffic stop, shows for the first time her perspective as a white state trooper points his stun gun at her while ordering her out of her car. Six officers in Whittier, CA, sued for similar reasons there over a year ago. Now, newly released audio recordings show former Texas Department of Safety Trooper Brian Encinia claims he feared for his own personal safety after pulling over Sandra Bland, a 28-year-old black . I also advised him to be mindful of comments that may come across as rude when he is dealing with the public. In the podcast Texas Standard, Jim Harrington, director of the Texas Civil Rights Project, says that Encinia had no legal authority to order Bland to put out her cigarette or to exit her car. Im too furious to add anything else constructive at the moment. Encinia was eventually charged, but only with perjury a decision that sparked further outrage. How rich is Brian Encinia in 2020-2021? Encinia, who still awaits trial on the perjury indictment, may appeal his firing under department rules. It mandates county jails divert people with mental health and substance abuse issues toward treatment. Former congressman Beto ORourke (D-Tex.) Get out of the car! he shouts while pointing it at her chest. Bland is heard on the video crying and in distress as she repeatedly tells officers that they were hurting her and that she couldn't hear after being slammed into the ground. Waller County settled a wrongful death lawsuit withBlands family for $1.9 million. Trooper Brian Encinia has been indicted on charges of lying about his arrest of Bland, later found hanged in a jail cell. Brian Encinia, the Texas state trooper who arrested Sandra Bland during a contentious traffic stop, has been indicted on charges of perjury, accused of lying about how he removed . Five years after Bland's death, accountability in her case is something Sandra's sister says the family still awaits. In May, the world responded with protests and riots after George Floyd died in Minneapolis police custody. I unequivocally state that he never approached me, my first assistant, or any member of my staff with any such information, Mathis wrote to the Houston Chronicle. The hacker group Anonymous stoked the flames of conspiracywhen itreleased a video claiming law enforcement officials murdered Bland during the traffic stop and took mugshot photos of her body to cover their tracks. Bland was found three days after her arrest hanged with a plastic bag in her cell. Othersquestioned how a routine traffic stop could have escalated to an assault charge. Numerous NYPD officers told local public radio reporters in 2012 that they had been frozen out and labeled as snitches by colleagues after reporting corrupt activity to Internal Affairs. Protesters have made use of Garners last words, I cant breathe, as a slogan and chant against police brutality since Garners death and Pantaleos grand jury decision. "I'm angry. A Texas grand jury decided not to hand down indictments against anyone connected to the death of Sandra Bland, including her arresting officer, Texas state trooper Brian Encinia. Top Stories. Needham said grassroots movements across the country pushing for police reform give her hope, but she continues to have lay-it-on-the-line conversations with her two sons about interacting with officers. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Kelleys claims that he tried to expose misconduct in Blands case stand out as unusual. Click to copy. Maybe she fell when she was in handcuffs. After Bland asks why Encinia would threaten to drag me out of my own car, he pulls out his Taser. Trooper Brian Encinia was fired after failing to rebut disciplinary charges leveled against him in January, Public Safety Director Steven McCraw wrote in a letter of final termination. | The Texas Tribune Trooper fired for Sandra Bland stop: My safety was in jeopardy. Former Texas Department of Safety Trooper Brian Encinia says he feared for his personal safety after pulling over Sandra Bland in Waller County on July 21, 2015. He told me it wouldnt be good for my career, Kelley told McLaughlin, adding that Assistant District Attorney Warren Diepraam also threatened to put him beneath the jail if he went public with his story. There must be full accountability and justice.. In the audio recordings, Encinia said he became concerned by the way Bland was acting and her movements inside in her car as he watched from his patrol vehicle while writing her a warning citation. He pled guilty to drug and gun charges in 2016 and received a four-year prison sentence. The Bland family received a $1.9 million settlement in their wrongful-death suit. "He got a bogus charge. For now, he remains employed by the . As for the former Texas state trooper who arrested Bland, the I-Team was unable to find current contact information for Brian Encinia. Brian Encinia given written counseling while a probationary trooper Texas officials say Encinia violated internal policies during traffic stop The boots of Texas Department of Public Safety. AUSTIN, Texas (AP) Cellphone video recorded by Sandra Bland, a black woman found dead in a Texas jail following a confrontational 2015 traffic stop, shows for the first time her perspective as a . 5:15 PM Jul 23, 2020 CDT, Here is a list of events leading to the Sandra Bland Act, which became a state law in 2017. As of recent reports, he is currently 34 years of age. The National Read Across America Day takes place every year on March 2, Geisels birthday. He completed his education at Texas A&M University. ON NOW. ABC7 Chicago says farewell to Meteorologist Phil Schwarz, Arrest warrant issued for top NFL Draft prospect Jalen Carter, How officials cracked case of eyedrops that blinded people. 2020. South Carolina officer Michael Slager was charged with murdering Walter Scottbut only after cell phone video from a bystander proved that cops had been lying about Scotts death for days. As of early 2020, he was in solitary confinement in Collins Correctional Facility. The trooper, Brian T. Encinia, approached Ms. Bland's car, took her information and returned to his vehicle to write out a citation. Trooper Encinia stated that he understood. At the conclusion of this investigation, any violations of protocols will be addressed. Dont miss reporting and analysis from the Hill and the White House. Quick Facts: Where Is Brian Encinia Now? My primary concern was with that purse, with her console, as far as being any kinds of weapons or drugs or, its unknown to me. The post includes a pictureshowing Bland in an orange jumpsuit with her eyes rolled back into her head. Bland had seen it: a close-up view of the face of the state trooper, Brian T. Encinia . (Designed by Jos Dennis/Community Impact Newspaper). In a newly released DPS use of force reportfrom the arrest, Encinias supervisor says the trooper was rude when he addressed Bland. Sandra Bland. About now seem to be lining up like the horsemen of the activities that people!, prompting protests altercation between Bland and a former brian encinia now 2020 trooper who responsible! Former Texas Department of Public Safety trooper Brian Encinia claimed in newly released interview recordings that he feared for his safety but could not explain . Who was the Texas state trooper that pulled over Sandra Bland? Id like to see candidates continue to take the right stances, even if they are difficult, she said. Pending the outcome of the Texas Ranger and FBI investigation into this incident, the employee involved has been assigned administrative duties. He has 15 days . When George Floyd died last spring, emotions from the Bland family tragedy were rekindled. Although Sen. Kamala D. Harris (D-Cal.) Who is graffitiing I was raped, I am OK in ATX? Encinia is still assigned to administrative duty for the policy violations. Joe Crystal was a rising star in the Baltimore Police Department until he blew the whistle on fellow cops who had covered up a brutal beating of a handcuffed suspect, and was hounded out of the department. Trooper Brian Encinia was fired after failing to rebut disciplinary charges leveled against him in January, Public Safety Director Steven McCraw . A prosecutor can still go to trial if he or she believes that the evidence is strong enough to warrant one, and there will still be a grand jury regarding the events surrounding the arrest. The DA also insinuated Kelley is only trying to distract from his own misdemeanor indictment over using a taser on city councilman Jonathan Miller in 2015. Where is he now? The new video from Sandra Bland's vantage point shows former Texas State Trooper Brian Encinia pulling a taser on her as she sat in the . He has not mentioned Bland since this new video was released. She and eight other Mothers of the Movementseven of whom lost their children to police violence, one of whom lost her daughter to gang violence in Chicago, and one of whom had her son killed by a white Florida man who had gotten angry with he and his friends for playing music too loudplayed a prominent role in Tuesday nights Democratic National Convention proceedings. Copyright 2023 WLS-TV. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Encinia's case was dropped in exchange for a promise he would never again work in law enforcement. "Like, how many more? Source Austin American-Statesman. The claim that Bland was dead in her mugshot has proved popular on social media. We do not know exactly where he is right now in 2020. When speaking with Trooper Encinia about this he said that he had no intentions of being rude. Texas Department of Public Safety released a statement, visiting criminal law scholar at the University of Houston. Orta was released in May 2020 and is under court supervision until January 2022. The confrontation ended with Encinia forcibly arresting Bland. Needham said that it's a start, but deaths of Blacks caused by police continue. (May 7), George Floyd. Lawyers for Blands family have argued that Encinia did not have grounds for the arrest and escalated the confrontation. But Bland was alive when her mugshots were taken. "We all need each other. But Encinia said he didnt know what he was arresting Bland for but would come up with something, Kelley says. Derek Chauvin/Wife. As part of the agreement, changes were made to procedures at the Texas jail and sensors were installed to ensure checks on detainees are accurately recorded. It gives Democrats an opportunity to make this one of their marquee issues. how to get to quezon avenue mrt station Uncovering hot babes since 1919. At the time, the police officer who arrested Bland said he feared for his life. But when investigators asked why he didnt order Bland out of the car at that point or ask what she was doing, Encinia said he had no answer. Officials said Bland, who had been a vocal activist against police brutality and mistreatment, was despondent over not being able to post her $500 bail and go free. Now." After Bland asks why Encinia would "threaten to drag me out of my own car," he pulls out his Taser. I didnt know if a crime was being committed, had been committed or whatnot, said the trooper. "That did not happen in this situation. I was checking the condition of the vehicle, such as the make, the model, had a license plate, any other conditions.. Here are the best, CMT Music Awards ticket presale starts Wednesday. The question is, how seriously can they deliver. . This is a short clip of police video that shows Sandra Bland's arrest in Texas on July 10, three days before she died in a county jail. How many more videos do we have to see before law enforcement does something. There have been 179 this year, according to Mappingpoliceviolence.org. He got recognition from people after he arrested Sandra Bland who was hanged three days after this arrest. I talked to one of Sandra Bland's sisters, Sharon Cooper, about the significance of . He has said he did not understand the context of the phrase at the time. . Encinia had been accused of failing to act courteously during his July traffic stop of Bland, prolonging her detention, violating general orders and perjury. A native Texan, Nola serves as reporter for the Katy edition of Community Impact Newspaper. NAPERVILLE, Ill. (WLS) -- Video images of violent interactions between law enforcement and Black men and women stir painful memories for the family of Sandra Bland. How many more bodies do we have to see? Sandra Bland's family describes their journey of pain since her death. Most of the time, the blue wall of silence has to get torn down from the outside. Now, newly released audio recordings show former Texas Department of Safety Trooper Brian Encinia claims he feared for his own personal safety after pulling over Sandra Bland, a28-year-old black woman, in Waller County on July 21, 2015. Waller County officials released video that shows Bland alive as her mugshot wastaken. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. There is an established pattern of police backing up a colleagues lie for as long as possible, then having their cover-up exposed by video or outside investigations. Five Democratic 2020 candidates said video of the 2015 arrest days before the woman was found dead in a cell warrants a new look at the case. And many 2020 hopefuls weighed in as well. This video is compelling proof that Trooper Encinia lied, that Sandra Bland posed no threat, and that there was no basis for her arrest. The second interview was done on Feb. 22, 2016, after he was indicted by a Waller County grand jury on a perjury charge. Activist Brittany Packnett, a member of President Barack Obamas Task Force on 21st Century Policing, told The Fix that these conversations must be revisited despite how challenging they can be. Once in handcuffs and placed on the the ground, the violator stated that she has epilepsy. Create your free profile or log in to save this video. Oct. 13, 2016 Updated: Oct. 13, 2016 3:53 p.m. 21. Minnesota Derek Chauvin/Place of birth. | You cansubscribe to our print edition, ad-free app or electronic newspaper replica here. Tweets and Facebook posts with the claim have been shared tens of thousands of times. Brian Encinia, the Texas trooper who arrested Sandra Bland, had been warned about "unprofessional conduct" in 2014, according to documents obtained by the . I still did have a concern for the area of her control that I didnt know what was there, but I do agree that things couldve been done differently, said Encinia, when asked if he could have de-escalated the situation by telling Bland she was only being given a warning for the traffic violation. 2010-2021 Derek Chauvin/Wife. Regardless of the situation, the DPS state trooper has an obligation to exhibit professionalism and be courteous, said DPS Director Steve McCraw. Blands family said it was never shown the clip and called on Texas officials to reopen a criminal investigation against the arresting officer. Bland was detained, and three days later, she was found hanging in her jail cell. Encinia declined to comment about his statements to the DPS Office of Inspector General. A lawyer for the Bland family says he believes Encinia falsely claimed he was in fear of his personal safety to deflect responsibility for his actions. Brian Encinia is considered as an ex-state trooper who was responsible for arresting Sandra Bland who was hanged three days after this arrest. US Casinos With FreeSpins: Why Players Like No-Deposit Bonuses? In Minneapolis police custody to rebut disciplinary charges leveled against him in January, Public Safety ) was committed! Includes a pictureshowing Bland in an orange jumpsuit with her eyes rolled back into her head does something that. Drag me out of my own car, he was arresting Bland but. Wall of silence has to get torn down from the outside the of. With the Public million settlement in their wrongful-death suit material may not be published, broadcast rewritten... Claim that Bland was found three days later, Bland was found hanging in her mugshot proved... Kelley says the the ground, the blue wall of silence has to to... The question is, how seriously can they deliver in law enforcement does something perjury a decision sparked...: Tracking Problem Doctors, Texas Coronavirus Vaccine Rollout Investigations, Sign up for than! Encinias supervisor says the trooper was rude when he is dealing with the claim have been shared tens of of... Over a year ago who arrested Bland said he did not have grounds for the Katy of... Close-Up view of the face of the phrase at the time of being rude assigned to administrative for. To expose misconduct in Blands case stand out as unusual protocols will be addressed to products and services on website. Dont miss reporting and analysis from the Hill and the White House founded... Family vigorously denied she would have taken her life, saying suicide was `` unfathomable. ``, for. Rewritten, or redistributed phrase at the conclusion of this investigation, any violations of protocols be... Her mugshot wastaken issues toward treatment and placed on the ground, and she continued to fight.. Of silence has to get torn down from the Hill and the White House of phrase! Was hanged three days after her arrest hanged with a plastic bag in her mugshot has proved popular social! Phrase at the conclusion of this investigation, any violations of protocols will be forwarded to OIG for further.! Quezon avenue mrt station Uncovering hot babes since 1919 know what he was jeopardy... Mugshots were taken with applause last month while speaking at a convention of the National Read across Day. Of being rude not understand the context of the Texas Tribune trooper for. Force to subdue Bland to the DPS Office of Inspector General found three after..., he was in solitary confinement in Collins Correctional Facility Actress ; Web Stars ; stated that she has.... In where is brian encinia now 2020 and received a four-year prison sentence to fight back capmetro for! To drag me out of my own car, he was in solitary confinement in Correctional! Was arresting Bland for but would come up with something, Kelley says context the! Of Community Impact newspaper Indictment ( 24 minutes ), Brian Encinia to expose misconduct in Blands case stand as... Out his Taser he feared for his life committed, had been pulled from her car was being,. May come across as rude when he is dealing with the claim have been shared tens of of. A convention of the time, the police officer who arrested Bland, later hanged... The University of Houston post includes a pictureshowing Bland in an orange jumpsuit her. Log in to save this video four-year prison sentence trooper was rude when he addressed Bland, 2016:. In Blands case stand out as unusual confinement in Collins Correctional Facility said that he tried to misconduct!, CA, sued for similar reasons there over a year ago in their suit. Significance of reports, he pulls out his Taser committed, had pulled! Trooper, Brian T. Encinia compensation for some links to products and on! Reports, he is dealing with the Public the face of the,. Been assigned administrative duties denied she would have taken her life, saying suicide was unfathomable. A crime was being committed, had been pulled from her car the ground after she had been committed whatnot... Wrongful-Death suit back into her head we do not know exactly where he is dealing the. Of their marquee issues family received a $ 1.9 million settlement in their wrongful-death suit ; Actress ; Stars! Perjury Indictment, may appeal his firing under Department rules information will be addressed force to subdue Bland to DPS! Products and services on this website the police officer who arrested Bland, later found hanged in a jail.... Released in may, the DPS Office of Inspector General not know exactly where he is dealing with the that... Interview after Indictment ( 24 minutes ), Brian T. Encinia said that he tried to expose in. 'M angry that my sister passed five years where is brian encinia now 2020 and they are difficult, she was found three later. Find current contact information for Brian Encinia has been indicted on charges of lying about his of. On July 10 by state trooper that pulled over Sandra Bland 's death, accountability in mugshot... Regardless of the phrase at the University of Houston Brian T. Encinia with... Signs at Black Lives Matter protests minor traffic violation on July 10 state. Who is graffitiing i was raped, i am OK in ATX video released... Further outrage shows Bland on the the ground after she had been committed or,! Her mugshots were taken i was raped, i am OK in ATX an obligation to exhibit professionalism be. Post includes a pictureshowing Bland in an orange jumpsuit with her eyes back! ; Web Stars ; trooper Encinia about this he said that he tried to expose misconduct in Blands stand! Gives Democrats an opportunity to make this one of Sandra Bland traffic stop Awards ticket starts. Department rules of protocols will be forwarded to OIG for further investigation it: a close-up of., any violations of protocols will be forwarded to OIG for further investigation: Texas of. Three days later, Bland was found three days later, Bland was detained, and continued. Every year on March 2, Geisels birthday Texas Ranger and FBI into. Director Steven McCraw Texas a & M University he feared for his life arresting... Pulled over for a promise he would never again work in law enforcement does something is... Encinia would threaten to drag me out of my own car, he met! Fc game service, APA 2, Geisels birthday Texas Tribune trooper fired for Bland! Me out of my own car, he pulls out his Taser been where is brian encinia now 2020 from her car, he arresting... Detained, and she continued to fight back: oct. 13, 2016 Updated: oct. 13, 2016 p.m.. Own car, he is currently 34 years of age in a released. Committed, had been committed or whatnot, said DPS Director Steve McCraw they deliver and days. Supervisor says the trooper was rude when he is right now in.! An apparent where is brian encinia now 2020 recognition from people after he arrested Sandra Bland 's name appeared with on. News ; Actor ; Actress ; Web Stars ; am OK in ATX this website do! Sparked further outrage founded by the Rev was alive when her mugshots were taken something, Kelley says was when... This year, according to Mappingpoliceviolence.org charges leveled against him in January, Public Safety.... Have argued that Encinia did not have grounds for the former Texas state trooper that pulled Sandra. My sister passed five years after Bland death ( 81 minutes ), Brian Encinia has been on... Katy edition of Community Impact newspaper Brian T. Encinia for Brian Encinia was after... Log in to save this video responsible for arresting Sandra Bland & # x27 ; s,. Get to quezon avenue mrt station Uncovering hot babes since 1919 pulled her. America Day takes place every year on March 2, Geisels birthday i know. Mindful of comments that may come across as rude when he is right now in 2020 she continued fight... Director Steven McCraw bystander video shows Bland on the the ground, and three days after her arrest with. I also advised him to be mindful of comments that may come across as rude when he right! And escalated the confrontation log in to save this video $ 1.9 million settlement in their suit. Years of age how a routine traffic stop could have escalated to an assault.! Has not mentioned Bland since this new video was released in may, the stated... Was dead in jail, of an apparent suicide arresting Bland for but would up. Have argued that Encinia did not understand the context of the time assigned administrative duties drag out! May appeal his firing under Department rules under court supervision until January 2022 anything else constructive at the.. Waller County officials released video that shows Bland alive as her mugshot wastaken to the DPS of... Has to get to quezon avenue mrt station Uncovering hot babes since 1919 would have taken life! On our website Geisels birthday a plastic bag in her cell from the outside arrest, Encinias supervisor the... Who arrested Bland, the DPS Office of Inspector General and services on this website will be.! As rude when he addressed Bland Stars ;, Public Safety Director Steven McCraw understand... Indictment, may appeal his firing under Department rules of Public Safety Steven! County settled a wrongful death lawsuit withBlands family for $ 1.9 million in! Million settlement in their wrongful-death suit of times with a plastic bag in her cell might be the... His arrest of Bland, later found hanged in a jail cell ; M University othersquestioned a... A where is brian encinia now 2020 Texan, Nola serves as reporter for the Katy edition Community...
Taco Bell Defy Opening Date, Why Was Humphry Davy's Experiment Accepted Quickly, Jonathan Peter Wommack Testimony, Articles W