New details released on 18-year-old who died in police custody

The medical examiner has now ruled Saniyah Cheatham’s death a suicide.

News 12 Staff

Jul 14, 2025, 4:34 PM

Updated 6 hr ago

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Officials have released new details in the case of 18-year-old Saniyah Cheatham, who died last week in custody at the 41st Precinct.
Cheatham’s mother told News 12 she had just left a cookout at Crotona Park when she got into a fight with her girlfriend and was arrested for disorderly conduct.
The medical examiner has now ruled her death a suicide. Police first said she died by suicide in a cell and then later called it a medical emergency.
Cheatham’s family held a rally outside the Longwood precinct, calling for transparency from the NYPD.
Ben Crump is now representing Cheatham’s mother.