Bronx mother seeks NYPD and FDNY records after teen's suicide in custody

Thomasina Cheatham, 46, filed petitions in Manhattan Supreme Court seeking the full release of records concerning her 18-year-old daughter Saniyah’s death in the Bronx 41st precinct holding cell on July 5, 2025. According to the filings, Saniyah told police she was experiencing a mental breakdown and would harm herself if left alone, yet officers placed her in a solitary cell where she later strangled herself with her sweater.

Cheatham’s requests include the FDNY EMS response file, the names of the arresting officers, and all body-camera and security video. Civil-rights attorney Ben Crump said the family will use every legal tool to obtain the evidence and achieve justice. Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson has expressed empathy and urged accountability, while the NYPD, city counsel, and FDNY have not responded to comment requests.