(CNN) — Authorities in Waller County, Texas, released hours of jail video on Tuesday that show Sandra Bland before her death in an effort to knock down the idea that Bland was dead before she was brought to jail.
Bland, 28, was found dead in her cell three days after she was arrested for allegedly failing to use her turn signal on July 10. Officials have said she hanged herself with a plastic bag, but her family and others have questioned that account.
“The reason we’re doing this is because of the misinformation that has been put out — both through social media and even through mainstream media — that has led to the rumors that Sandra Bland was in some way deceased, or harmed, or not well when she was brought in to the Waller County Jail,” Waller County Judge Trey Duhon told reporters.
He said that Waller County officials have received death threats. They have also received threats against their facilitates.
“We are under cyberattack by individuals like the group called Anonymous, who has claimed that Sandra Bland is deceased in the mugshot. You will see video here today that will show that she was alive and well when her mugshot was taken,” said Duhon.
The video, which does not have sound, shows Bland being brought into the jail. Her handcuffs are removed during an initial intake, at which she appears to be coherent and cooperative. At one point, Bland holds her head in her hands.
Duhon told reporters the video had not been altered or changed in any way. He acknowledged some people will still have doubts.
“If this helps a few people understand, and dispel some of the rumors going around, then it’s worth our time to do this here today,” he said.
Waller County is northwest of Houston.
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