The death of 27-year-old India Cummings is now under investigation by the New York State Commission of Correction.
Cummings was an inmate at the Erie County Holding Center in February.
"An investigation into the death of India Cummings is underway. While technically not an 'in-custody death,' the state Commission of Correction and its Medical Review Board still have the legal authority to investigate and report on the circumstances of the incident," said a spokesperson for the SCOC.
According to the SCOC spokesperson: "[Cummings] was at the Holding Center and transported to the hospital. While at the hospital, she was released from the Sheriff’s custody."
"Cummings was admitted to the facility on February 1 after being accused of stealing a car in the presence of police officers, and then crashing the vehicle in a high speed chase," said Attorney Matt Albert who is representing the Cummings family.
"On February 17, 2016, she was admitted to Buffalo General Hospital brain dead, in cardiac arrest, and with a litany of other highly disturbing physical ailments, including broken bones, severe dehydration, and poor kidney function. To this point, officials at the jail have failed to explain how any of those injuries occurred..."
A spokesperson for the Erie County Sheriff's Office told 7 Eyewitness News that due to pending litigation, the department has been instructed not to comment on the case.
The Buffalo Anti-Racism Coalition plans to hold a protest outside of the holding center Thursday at 4 p.m.
