NYC Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Barbara Sampson released a statement to the media explaining the sudden death of Layleen Cubilette-Polanco, the transgender inmate who was found dead in her Rikers Island cell in June. According to the medical report, the 27-year-old died from an epileptic seizure.
The report, partially published in the New York Post stated: Polanco died naturally last month as a result of epilepsy. "Genetic testing on this decedent showed a biological mutation in the CANNA1H gene associated with seizures," said Chief Medical Examiner Sampson.
Polanco family lawyer David Shanies said the New York Department Of Corrections was aware of his client's condition because she had suffered multiple seizures while she was being held in Rikers.
Despite her medical condition, a jail doctor approved Polanco being placed in solitary confinement on May 30. She was discovered dead in her cell on June 7.
Polanco was being held in Rikers because she was unable to come up with $500 bail.
Photo Credit: Getty Images