Home / Crime and Justice / Family Demands Answers in Custody Death
Family Demands Answers in Custody Death
7 Jun
Summary
- Rashaud Martin died in JSO custody on Oct. 24, 2025.
- Family awaits bodycam footage eight months after death.
- Advocates push for mental health response teams.
The family of Rashaud Martin, who died in Jacksonville Sheriff's Office custody on October 24, 2025, continues to demand answers and transparency. A vigil was held in Riverview Park to honor Martin's life.
Martin was taken to a mental health resources center under Florida's Baker Act following a domestic disturbance call at his mother's home. His mother described him as experiencing a severe schizophrenic episode that night. She stated that he was transported by JSO but never admitted to the facility, allegedly dying in the back of a police car.
Despite the incident occurring eight months ago, the family has not yet received bodycam footage from the officers involved. Martin's sister expressed frustration, accusing the JSO of dishonesty and citing the release of other footage as proof of a lack of a genuine waiting period. Advocates from the Jacksonville Community Action Committee have joined the family, urging for the implementation of dedicated mental health response teams to de-escalate mental health crises and prevent similar outcomes.
