UPDATE: A community in Plainfield, New Jersey, is rallying for justice as they mark the 35th anniversary of the mysterious death of 19-year-old Santana Hannah in police custody. Friends and family are demanding a reopening of the investigation into his death, which they believe was caused by police brutality, not suicide as officially determined.
On April 10, 1990, Santana Hannah was found hanging in a police lockup just hours after being arrested for allegedly breaking into parking meters. The official autopsy ruled his death a suicide, a conclusion accepted by a grand jury shortly after. However, those close to Hannah have long contested this finding, insisting that he was beaten by officers before his death.
Activist Salaam Ismiall from the National United Youth Council stated, “What would drive a 19-year-old man to kill himself? After being arrested for a parking meter? It makes no sense.” Ismiall revealed that Hannah had called his mother from jail shortly after his arrest, claiming he had been beaten.
The community plans to hold a block party and press conference on Saturday to honor Hannah and press for a fresh investigation. They aim to urge the Union County Prosecutor’s Office to reconsider the evidence, particularly testimony from the first EMT on the scene, who allegedly observed bruises on Hannah’s body.
Witness accounts from Hannah’s co-defendant, Wendell Cheese, paint a disturbing picture of police conduct. Cheese testified that both he and Hannah faced severe beatings during their arrest, with officers using flashlights and other items as weapons. Despite these claims, the grand jury dismissed Cheese’s testimony, citing his prior criminal record as a reason for questioning his credibility.
The grand jury’s report concluded that there was “no reliable or credible evidence” supporting claims of police abuse. Union County First Assistant Prosecutor Edmund J. Tucker stated at a press conference, “Somebody other than Mr. Hannah was responsible for the hanging.” This determination has only fueled ongoing protests and calls for accountability.
In the years since, the Hannah family has taken legal action, including a wrongful death lawsuit against the city, which was settled for $17,500. The family’s fight for justice continues, with new calls for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Hannah’s death.
Ismiall emphasized, “We want to get justice for this young man. We’re looking for this cold case to be fired up.” As the community gathers this weekend, the urgency of their message resonates louder than ever, underscoring the need for transparency and justice in police conduct.
The Union County Prosecutor’s Office has not commented on the current push for reopening the case. The upcoming events are expected to draw significant attention, renewing discussions about police accountability and the need for systemic change.
As the investigation into Santana Hannah’s death remains a painful chapter in Plainfield’s history, the community’s ongoing quest for justice highlights the lasting impact of unresolved cases and the demand for accountability in law enforcement.
