Family demands answers after teen daughter dies at Atlanta Detention Center

WSBTV.com News Staff
·3 min read
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After their teenage daughter died at the Atlanta City Detention Center in July, her family is speaking out.

Noni Battiste-Kosoko, 19, was arrested in May for a misdemeanor bench warrant, according to the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office.

She was arrested by Union City police and given a bond of $2,000, but was held without bond due to charges from Miami-Dade County in Florida.

On July 11, she was found unresponsive in her cell around dinner time.

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That night, her remains were taken to the Fulton County Medical Examiner for autopsy.

On Thursday, Battiste-Kosoko’s family spoke with Channel 2 Action New amid their push for answers about their daughter’s death.

Noni Battiste-Kosoko’s mother is demanding answers from Fulton County officials.

Shashu Battiste told Channel 2′s Audrey Washington that she wants to know exactly how her daughter died, and why. She said it all happened at the Atlanta City Detention Center, soon after Noni’s 19th birthday.

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“You can do this and we’ll be full steam ahead when you get out,” Battiste said, in tears. She said they were the last words she ever said to her daughter.

Now all she has left of Noni is a blue urn holding her ashes.

“It’s been devastating for our family,” Battiste told Channel 2 Action News.

Battiste said Battiste-Kosoko was sent to the Atlanta Detention Center in May for a vandalism charge. Before her death, Battiste said the 19-year-old seemed optimistic and eager to go home.

“She kept saying okay I love you mommy, you know thinking that we were going to see each other again,” Battiste said.

In a statement, the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office said in part that Battiste-Kosoko was found in her cell by herself with no obvious signs of injury when medical personnel went to check on her.

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Channel 2 Action News called the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office Thursday. An investigator said Battiste-Kosoko’s cause of death is still listed as pending.

That’s why her family is demanding answers and accountability.

The family’s attorney sent a notice to the Chari of the Fulton County Board of Co,missioners demanding a $10 million settlement.

“They don’t know the cause of death, the autopsy has that information,” Dr. Roderick Edmond, the family’s attorney said. “We don’t have the circumstances, we don’t know who was there.”

Battiste said it’s been difficult for the family since her daughter’s death.

“I don’t know what’s going on still and it’s hard enough losing a child,” Battiste said.

Washington reached out to the Chair of the Fulton Board of Commissioners and the MEdical Examiner’s Office but did not hear back. The Atlanta Police Department said they are assisting with the death investigation.

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