Saniyah Cheatham, 18, died after being taken into custody by the NYPD over July 4 weekend. She had attended a family cookout in Crotona Park, The Bronx, before her arrest for fighting. After midnight, police found her unresponsive in the precinct, and she was pronounced dead at Lincoln Hospital. Her mother, Thomasina Cheatham, expressed her grief and confusion, questioning how her healthy daughter could have died in custody and seeking answers through an investigation and medical report. Thomasina described Saniyah as her only daughter, expressing deep heartbreak over the loss.
Thomasina Cheatham said, "And now to wake up that she's no longer here with us, it's really sickening. I haven't slept. I haven't ate since Saturday. I'm sorry."
Thomasina expressed her disbelief, asking, "How could that happen in a precinct? Was anybody watching her? Was she calling out for help?"
She hopes the release of the medical examiner's report and surveillance footage will provide answers regarding her daughter's death.
"I'm really praying. This is very heartbreaking to me and my family. That was my only princess. I have four boys and one girl."
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