Officials 'Tight-Lipped' About Investigation Into Death Of Woman In Mount Vernon Police Custody
MOUNT VERNON, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- More than a week after the death of a woman in a Mount Vernon police holding cell, there are still multiple questions about what happened and who's responsible.
WCBS 880's Peter Haskell reported from the news conference Wednesday that Mount Vernon officials say they will cooperate with the Attorney General's investigation -- but are staying mum about any details.
Attorney General Eric Schneiderman said Monday his office will take over the probe into what happened to 42-year-old Raynette Turner.
The mother of eight was found dead last week two days after her arrest on a shoplifting charge, authorities said. The night before her death, police said Turner reported not feeling well and was taken by ambulance to a hospital, then returned to her cell a few hours later.
She was found dead at 2 p.m. on July 27, when she was to be arraigned. An autopsy was inconclusive pending drug and other tests.
As for the status of the cops on duty when Turner died, Haskell reported the mayor was "tight-lipped."
Mayor Ernie Davis said he wants to wait until the probe is completed before commenting.
"We are not in the rumor making business," Davis said.
Attorney Osvaldo Gonzalez spoke on behalf of Turner's husband.
"He feels someone dropped the ball and he'd like to see heads roll," Gonzalez said.
Gonzalez said cops knew Turner was sick and they were negligent in not checking on her.
Police have not addressed the question of why Turner was held over a weekend on a minor charge rather than given a court summons and released. City officials did not immediately respond to that question Monday.