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Ralkina Jones was arrested on Friday, July 24 in Cleveland, Ohio after vandalizing her ex-husband’s car and exhibiting violent behavior. She was taken to jail and found dead in her cell three days later. Her death came as a shock to her family, who had just visited with her on Saturday and felt that she was in good spirits. The Cleveland Heights Police Department has released new body camera footage from officers at the jail in which Jones states to jail officials, “I don’t want to die in your cell.”
Jones was explaining to the officers that she suffered from a variety of ailments, including postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, which causes lightheadedness and fainting upon standing, seizures, ADHD, depression and a traumatic brain injury. According to her family, she informed the jailers that she needed to stay in contact with her relatives and have her prescription drugs to preserve her life. However, it is alleged by the family that the officers refused proper treatment to Jones and this lack of treatment led to her death. According to police, Jones seemed lethargic and was taken to the emergency room of a local hospital for evaluation on Friday. Despite her health issues she was released after two hours and returned to her jail cell.
Jones’ sister, Renee Ashford stated, “I went to see her Saturday morning, me and my sister went to take her medication. We had a talk and she was fine. How do you release someone within two hours from going to an ER room? You know, just in such a hurry to take her back to jail.”
An autopsy of Jones was performed, however, the coroner found no physical injuries and has not issued an official cause of death.
