A Bronx mother is pursuing legal action against New York City, demanding access to documents concerning her 18-year-old daughter's death by suicide in an NYPD holding cell. Thomasina Cheatham filed a petition on September 3, 2025, alleging that city agencies have failed to respond to her Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) requests related to the incident.
Saniyah Cheatham died in the custody of the Bronx's 41st NYPD precinct on July 4, 2025, while being held overnight. According to court documents, Saniyah was arrested at a party following an altercation with her girlfriend. The petition states that Saniyah expressed suicidal thoughts to police, warning that she might harm herself if left alone. Despite these statements, she was placed in a solitary holding cell where she was found deceased around 1 a.m. on July 5, 2025.
Cheatham's petition asserts that city officials failed to provide her daughter with necessary mental health intervention. She is seeking her daughter's complete file from the FDNY concerning the Emergency Medical Service response to the death. Cheatham claims her requests to the fire department for these documents, first made in February, have been repeatedly denied. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, representing the family, stated in October 2025, "These preventable failures are inexcusable and we will use every legal avenue to uncover the truth, protect the evidence, and seek full justice for Saniyah’s family."
In November 2025, Thomasina Cheatham initiated a separate legal action, demanding that the NYPD release the names of the officers involved in her daughter's arrest and custody. She also requested access to all relevant body camera footage, security videos, and other records pertaining to Saniyah's case.
Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson acknowledged the family's concerns at the time of Saniyah's death, stating, "At a time when we continue to work to build trust and partnership with the NYPD, we must also ensure that this family’s pain and trauma is acknowledged as they seek answers and justice for Saniyah."
Representatives for Thomasina Cheatham, the city, and the NYPD did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The FDNY declined to comment on the matter.
New York City residents experiencing a mental health crisis or suicidal thoughts can contact 1-888-NYC-WELL for free, confidential counseling. The National Suicide Prevention hotline is available 24/7 by dialing 988 or visiting SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.