Noni Battiste-Kosoko: 19-Year-Old Dies In Atlanta Jail
Noni Battiste-Kosoko, 19, was found unresponsive and face-down in her cell on July 11, 2023, in Atlanta, Georgia. County and city officials have vowed to investigate her death.
Noni Battiste-Kosoko, 19, was arrested in Union City, Georgia, on May 20, 2023, on a misdemeanor bench warrant. Three months earlier, she was cited for trespassing and vandalism charges, but she never appeared in court.
To those locked up with her, it was obvious that Battiste-Kosoko needed some mental help more than anything else. One former cellmate said that she’d often wake up to Battiste-Kosoko talking as if she heard voices and slamming her head against the cinderblock wall.
"It wasn’t like a soft bang, it was a very solid hard, multiple times to the wall," said a former cellmate, who spoke with FOX 5.
"The second she stepped into any jail, somebody should’ve been like, ‘She’s not supposed to be here. It was clear she just needed somebody. When she sat to get her hair done, she was calm,” the former cellmate, who goes by Amanda, told the TV station.
A Fulton County judge set a bond of $2,000, but it was suspended after authorities found out that Battiste-Kosoko had pending charges in Miami-Dade County, Florida.
Because of a previous agreement, Fulton authorities were taking jailed inmates from their custody to the Atlanta Detention Center, which is run by the city. This is what happened to Battiste-Kosoko.
Behind bars and still under the jurisdiction of the Fulton County sheriff, Battiste-Kosoko found herself alone in a cell in the Atlanta Detention Center.
On July 11, 2023, Battiste-Kosoko was found unconscious at 6:36 p.m., right after the guards made their evening security patrols. First responders were called to the center, where they soon pronounced Battiste-Kosoko dead.
After the announcement of Battiste-Kosoko’s death by the sheriff’s office, her family began demanding answers. Why was Battiste-Kosoko behind bars for eight weeks? Why hasn’t foul play been ruled out?
The Atlanta Police Department then announced that it would conduct a death investigation pending an autopsy performed by the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office.
“We are committed to finding out the truth behind Noni’s death,” said Dr. Roderick Edmond, a family friend and attorney. “...If there was any foul play, we will hold all involved accountable.”
A spokesperson for Noni’s family said they will get to the bottom of the case and justice will be done.
"Our family is committed to uncovering all the facts surrounding this shocking and unfortunate occurrence," Noni’s family said in a statement. "If it is discovered that Noni’s death is the fault of those who were responsible for her care, they will be held accountable."
The former cellmate said that Battiste-Kosoko was a beautiful person that just needed some help.
"She would every now and then start singing, and I think that was to deter from the voices [in her head]," she said. "I still can hear her voice. I can still hear her voice and remember her eyes."
A GoFundMe set up by the family says this:
The Battiste, Kosoko and Roque families are deeply saddened to announce the untimely and tragic passing of our Noni Amira Battiste-Kosoko.
Noni had her 19th birthday on July 5th of this year, while unfortunately being held in custody in Fulton County at the Atlanta City Detention Center on a misdemeanor charge. As we collectivley and individually attempt to navigate this most tragic personal loss we are also keenly aware of the impact Noni's passing has on not only our community but also our culture.
We all humbly request your prayers, support and voices in hopes that no other family has to experience this type of loss again.
Due to the nature in which Noni passed this account is being established to assist with funeral costs as well as legal expenses, as the quest for truth and clarity ensues. To everyone who donated to the first go fund me , as Noni's mother I want to thank you personally. God bless you all.
With continuous love and gratitude,
Noni's Family
LONG LIVE NONI
JUSTICE FOR NONI
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