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Woman, Mother Of 8, Dies While In Police Custody In Mount Vernon

MOUNT VERNON, N.Y. – Law enforcement officials are awaiting autopsy results of the woman who died Monday while in a Mount Vernon Police Department holding cell.

Raynette Turner, 43, died in her holding cell while awaiting arraignment in the Mount Vernon Police Department.

Raynette Turner, 43, died in her holding cell while awaiting arraignment in the Mount Vernon Police Department.

Photo Credit: Contributed

Raynette Turner, 42, a mother of eight children, was found dead in her cell on Monday after being arrested on Friday for shoplifting at a local drug store. The mother of eight children was awaiting arraignment when she fell ill and died in her cell.

According to multiple reports, Turner’s family has been left in the dark and are seeking answers regarding her sudden passing while in the hands of police. She was in custody on a misdemeanor petty larceny charge and was expected to be released on her own recognizance on Monday when city court opened following the weekend.

The results of an autopsy from the Westchester County Medical Examiner’s Office to determine the official cause of death is still pending. According to a statement from city officials, Turner “appeared to be sleeping when observed by police personnel.” It was her third arrest for shoplifting this year.

In a statement on behalf of Blacks in Law Enforcement of America, former Mount Vernon City Council candidate Damon Jones called the police department “draconian.”

“The recent death of a woman in custody reminds us of the Sandra Bland. Mount Vernon is like many police departments in Westchester; policies and procedures are draconian in nature. We must question the timeframe of security checks,” he said. “Unfortunately, for the taxpayers of Mount Vernon, this will result in another lawsuit at the cost of the Mount Vernon taxpayer.”

Check back to Daily Voice for more on this developing story.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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