texas

Judge Considers Delay in Sandra Bland Family's Lawsuit

A federal judge is considering whether to delay a wrongful death lawsuit Sandra Bland's family filed until the Texas state trooper who arrested her is tried on criminal charges.

U.S. District Judge David Hittner heard arguments Thursday, but did not immediately issue a ruling.

Bland was a black woman who died last summer in the Waller County jail three days after being arrested. Authorities ruled her death a suicide. Brian Encinia, the trooper who arrested Bland, was charged with perjury after dashcam video appeared to show him yelling at Bland and escalating their confrontation.

Bland's mother has sued Encinia and others involved in her arrest and detention.

Attorneys for Texas say Encinia wouldn't be able to defend himself against the lawsuit while also fighting a criminal case.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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