Civil rights leaders say Texas jail not responsible for Symone Marshall's death

Marshall, who has recently moved to Texas, died May 10 while in custody

DETROIT – Leaders of the New Black Panther party and Nation of Islam in Houston said Friday that they have found no wrongdoing by a Texas sheriff's office and jail officials in the death of a Detroit woman.

The leaders said they met with Walker County jail officials, the sheriff and independent investigators with the Texas Rangers, and came to come to the conclusion that jail officials treated Symone Marshall properly, and did not deny her medical attention.

“The New York Daily News hurt and upset people by comparing this case to Sandra Bland, and they never picked up the phone to get another side. Be responsible with your reporting," said Houston New Black Panther Leader Quannel X.

Despite the leaders' conclusion, Marshall's family told Local 4 they still the whole story isn't being revealed.

Marshall’s father told Local 4 that she left Detroit and 3-year-old daughter to get a “fresh start” in Texas with a new boyfriend.

Marshall’s car crash and flipped into a ditch April 26 on Interstate 45 in Walker County, which is north of Houston.

The Sheriff Office’s said Marshall and a passenger signed waivers not to be treated by EMS that responded to the crash scene. They were arrested on a cocaine possession charge. Marshall was also arrested for giving a false name. Marshall's passenger made bond and was released. But Marshall, unable to pay her bond, stayed behind bars for two weeks.

 

Honey Marshall said her sister complained about her head hurting.

“She suffered in there. She cried every day, begging for them to take her to a hospital,” Honey Marshall said. “They wouldn’t release her out of there.”

Honey Marshall said jail officials told her that her sister had been seen by an in-house doctor.

“I said, ‘No, she needs to go to a real hospital,’” Honey Marshall said.

Honey Marshall said her family believes Symone Marshall died from a blood clot. Results of an autopsy have not yet been released.

Walker County Sheriff Clint McRae said the jail has a full time physician, and that all proper procedures in the jail were followed. He also denies that Symone Marshall was ever denied medical treatment.

“Everything has been followed through and through, and has been looked at,” McRae said. “We’re still waiting on the autopsy report, but everything has been handled appropriately.”

Texas State Police will do an independent review of the case.

Last year, Sandra Bland, was found dead in a Texas jail cell after being in custody for three days.

Read: Trooper who arrested Sandra Bland indicted on perjury


About the Author:

Local 4 Defender Shawn Ley is an Emmy award-winning journalist who has been with Local 4 News for more than a decade.