Family demands justice after a woman dies in police custody

In the United States, a tragic incident occurred on July 5, 2025, when 40-year-old Sarah Jane Hubauer died while in the custody of the Brookline police. Emergency Medical Services arrived at the police department after being alerted to an unconscious woman in a cell. Upon their arrival, they found Hubauer barely alive, with a faint pulse. Her father, Shawn, who later learned of her condition at the hospital, claims he was prevented from touching his daughter as police indicated it was a crime scene. This revelation came as a shock to him, considering he never knew she was in custody after allegedly being arrested for larceny early that same morning. Shawn expressed deep frustration and confusion over how his daughter could remain in custody for twelve hours without the police noticing any health issues. He questions the protocols followed at the precinct, particularly the search policies mandated for anyone under arrest. Meanwhile, Brookline police have initiated an internal review to investigate potential policy violations related to Hubauer's death. The situation has raised suspicions surrounding the course of events leading to her demise and has left her family seeking answers. Similarly, in Haverhill, Massachusetts, another concerning incident took place when police officers were involved in the death of 43-year-old Francis Gigliotti. Witnesses recorded video footage of the altercation outside Bradford Seafood Restaurant, where Gigliotti was said to be acting erratically when the police attempted to detain him. During the struggle, he became unresponsive, sparking outrage among family and friends. His fiancée, Michele Rooney, witnessed the officers restraining him while he yelled for help, pleading that he couldn't breathe. This moment has left a lasting impression on her and has catalyzed protests demanding justice for Gigliotti's death. His family claims that the police mishandled the situation, especially given Gigliotti's recent struggles with mental health issues and lost loved ones. They criticize the absence of a crisis intervention response. As the protests escalated from G.A.R. Park to the Haverhill Police Department and City Hall, family members voiced their frustrations over the lack of communication from city officials regarding the investigation of Gigliotti’s passing. Haverhill Mayor Melinda Barrett has since released a statement expressing condolences and pledging to ensure transparency in the ongoing investigations concerning both these tragic incidents.