Instead, the process to fire Trooper Brian Enciana started Wednesday after a grand jury charged Encinia with perjury, alleging he lied – in writing – about Sandra Bland’s traffic stop.
Trooper Encinia wrote in a probable cause affidavit that Bland was “combative and uncooperative.” A grand jury indicted him for what unfolded.
“The indictment was issued in reference to the reason he removed her from her vehicle,” Special Prosecutor Shawn McDonald said.
The reason, Trooper Encinia wrote, was to “conduct a safer traffic investigation.” The grand jury found that to be false. Outside the Texas courthouse, two dozen protesters showed up.
Bland died three days later inside the Waller County jail. The coroner ruled her death a suicide after she was founding hanging in her cell. But now that the grand jury investigation is over, the family hopes to learn more.
“It’s the end of their investigation, but it also puts in a position like we have wanted to from the onset, to get the evidentiary information that we have asked for from the very beginning,” Cooper said.
Trooper Encinia’s perjury charge is a misdemeanor. He could face on year in jail and up to a $4,000 fine.
Bland’s sister says – in the family’s opinion – that punishment does not fit the crime.