The mother of a man killed by police has spoken of her anguish, claiming her son was failed by the system before the fatal encounter. The incident, which occurred in Cleveland, has drawn comparisons to other overlooked cases of police violence.
Tanisha Anderson, 37, died after police restrained her outside her family home in November. Her family had called 911 seeking help, but say officers slammed her onto the pavement and handcuffed her, leading to her death. The coroner ruled the death a homicide, but prosecutors have yet to decide on charges.
The family described Anderson as more than just a 'mentally ill woman' as portrayed in some reports. She had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder but was a good student who dreamed of being a broadcast journalist. On the night of her death, she was having a 'bad day' and was disoriented.
Two sets of police arrived instead of an ambulance. The family claims the second set of officers were rude and aggressive. Within 30 minutes, Anderson was on the ground, handcuffed and not breathing. The coroner attributed her death to physical restraint in a prone position, combined with heart disease and bipolar disorder.
Anderson's story has not gained the same national attention as other police killings, such as those of Freddie Gray or Michael Brown. Her family continues to seek justice, with a civil lawsuit pending and an ongoing investigation by the county prosecutor's office.
