Another Black Life Cut Short in Police Custody, Marking Fourth Custodial Death This Year

A 32-year-old Black woman, Ayanna Lashawn Smith, has died in the Travis County Jail, just three days after her arrest. This marks the fourth in-custody death at this jail in 2023, highlighting a disturbing trend and raising serious questions about the treatment of individuals within the criminal justice system.

URL for reference: https://www.statesman.com/story/news/2023/07/02/woman-dies-travis-county-jail-4th-death-2023-ayanna-lashawn-smith/11524695/

The Terrifying Timeline:

• June 25: Smith was apprehended and charged with criminal trespass and a parole violation. The details of these charges are yet unknown.
• June 28, 9:20 a.m.: Smith was found unresponsive in her cell. Jail staff initiated CPR, and Austin-Travis County EMS continued these efforts upon their arrival.
• June 28: Despite the desperate measures, Smith could not be resuscitated and was pronounced dead.
• July 2: The Travis County medical examiner's office performed an autopsy.

Systematic Failure:

The jail has refused to comment on whether Smith was under their mental health surveillance, a critical detail that could offer insight into her untimely demise. This lack of transparency is deeply troubling and adds to the trauma experienced by Smith's loved ones and the broader community.

Fight for Justice:

The Texas Rangers and the jail's criminal investigations division will lead investigations into Smith's death. It is imperative that these inquiries are rigorous, unbiased, and swift, providing much-needed answers and accountability.

"Her autopsy is currently pending."

The cause of Smith's death remains undisclosed, leaving a vacuum of information that only fuels concern and uncertainty.

URL for reference: https://www.statesman.com/story/news/crime/2023/07/02/woman-dies-travis-county-jail-2023-ayanna-smith-journal/11531007/

As we mourn the loss of Ayanna Lashawn Smith, we demand answers and real systemic change to prevent further tragedies. Black lives matter, and it's high time our justice system reflected that truth.