Died in custody
RosieLee Yvette Mendez
RosieLee Yvette Mendez, 26, died by hanging on August 24, 2014, in Erie County, New York, while she was held in custody. According to the Western New York Peace Center, a woman held with her said RosieLee had been crying out for help while going through withdrawal. The Peace Center said RosieLee hanged herself and described her death as a suicide.
Cause of death, as reported: Died by suicide (neglect alleged). The Western New York Peace Center says Mendez hanged herself, and a fellow inmate told the center she had been crying out for help while going through withdrawal.
Reported by: Western New York Peace Center (advocates); a fellow inmate.