The New York Attorney General's Office has opened an investigation into the death of Erie County Holding Center inmate India Cummings. Cummings died of a pulmonary embolism in 2016 after spending 17 days in the jail. The state Commission of Correction Medical Review Board called her death a homicide due to medical neglect.
Attorney General Barbara Underwood's office says after reviewing key materials and evidence, an investigation has been opened by the office's Special Investigations and Prosecutions Unit. The probe was opened under an order that applies specifically to law enforcement officers and is being widened to include medical personnel.
A spokesperon, in a statement, says the office is "committed to conducting an independent, comprehensive, and fair investigation." She says in making the determination to proceed, evidence from the Erie County District Attorney's Office was reviewed, as well as additional leads.
The investigation will include efforts to reach out to Cummings' fellow inmates, at the time.
Erie County District Attorney John Flynn filed a motion following the release of the Commission of Corrections report requesting that either the Attorney General’s Office investigate Cummings' death or that a special prosecutor be appointed to the case.
In a statement Thursday, Flynn commended Underwood for opening the independent investigation.
