The FBI and Maryland State Police are investigating the strangulation of a 19-year-old man found dead in his cell a day after he was jailed on charges of running over and killing a police officer, authorities said.
Ronnie White's death was a homicide, the Maryland Medical Examiner ruled Monday. He died Sunday in the Prince George's County Correctional Center from asphyxiation and strangulation, the examiner said.
State police are leading the investigation into White's death at the request of county officials. The FBI is focusing on possible civil rights violations.
Officials said seven guards had access to White at the time of his death, as did an unspecified number of supervisors. Authorities are also investigating whether anyone from the outside had access to the inmate.
YouTube Video: FBI Now Investigating Death of Inmate
To Ronnie White & My Brothers Enslaved in the Frigid Steel of Ism
I know I should not be surprised that southern law enforcement still fosters lynch mob mentality wherein they think they have the right to administer their brand of justice and that they deem the Sin of one’s skin offense enough to terminate a living breathing soul, a son, a father, a brother, a friend. I am not surprised really, because it is our reality as Americans, especially Blacks in America. But to deny my sudden gasp, shock and sorrow at the news that Ronnie White had been strangled to death while in police custody would be to deny my own humanity. I have known several people who have died while incarcerated or under arrest and it was always an intentional act of excessive brutality (to be polite). And this is not new to my generation.
2 comments on Snatching our people from us
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I don't know if you're looking at this politically, socially, or racially, but if any of those factors are affecting your thoughts about what the authorities did to Ronnie White, your mind is just as muddled as theirs. Hating anyone for an act of hate is not responsible human behavior, although it is very often instinctual, and I have to admit that I have caught myself in the act of it quite a few times. I feel for the family and friends of Mr. White, who must be grieving tremendously at this time. To make a social backlash at the police lynch mob (and I do believe that is the proper term) would prove nothing, and would only serve to deepen what are already festering wounds in a split community. I cannot ask the black community to openly forgive the police for what they have done to their prodigal son; I can only ask that they be seek a way of putting the shoe on the other foot, so to speak. There is much to be learned without violence, even though vengeance at first seems the best plan of actions. To the White family, to your community, you have my most sincere condolences. May the grace of God be with you always.
Thank You For Your Comment. James News