New evidence in the Sandra Bland case emerged days ago when Officer Michael Kelley's stricken testimony was made public. But Waller County's Assistant District Attorney is denying Kelley’s allegations which, if true, point to a cover-up.
Sandra Bland was found dead in jail three days after a minor traffic infraction led to her being pinned down on the ground and arrested. Think Progress reports that Kelley, who arrived at the scene after Bland was cuffed, said he saw a large mark on Bland’s forehead and suspected she might have been kicked in the head by Officer Brian Encina.
According to a Huffington Post report, Kelley said he also heard Encina say “he didn’t know what he was arresting Bland for but would come up with something.” Kelley claims he wanted to testify before the grand jury, but Assistant DA Warren Diepraam told Kelley it wouldn’t be good for him if he did and even threatened to harm him if he went public with his story.
TP adds that the “incriminating details” were stricken from Kelley’s incident report before it was filed, and although Officer Encina was fired the only charge he’s faced is perjury.
Officer Kelley’s testimony warrants further investigation. Sign this petition to ask the Department of Justice to investigate this alleged cover-up in the Sandra Bland case.
As an advocate of human rights, I am writing to request that the Department of Justice investigate Officer Kelley's allegations, which point to further evidence of a cover-up in the Sandra Bland case.
[Your Comments]
The new allegations presented in Officer Kelley's testimony and the fact that it was stricken from the official record only add to unresoved concerns and suspicions about what really happened during Sandra Bland's arrest and before she was found dead in her cell - and whether or not Office Brain Encina should face more charges.
Sandra Bland and her family have a right to justice and the public has a right to know the whole truth. Therefore I, the undersigned, request the DOJ investigate Officer Kelley's previously hidden and suppressed evidence.
Thanks for your time.
[Your Name}
