Police investigate woman’s death in Brisbane watchhouse

An investigation has been launched after an Indigenous woman died in police custody in the Brisbane watchhouse today. A report is being prepared for the coroner.

A woman has died in the Brisbane police watch-house.

A woman has died in Brisbane’s police watchhouse after waiting for days to be transferred to a correctional facility.

Police have confirmed they are investigating and are preparing a report for the coroner.

The Courier-Mail has been told the woman who died is 49 years old and is Indigenous.

She is understood to have had previous undisclosed health issues.

The woman is believed to have been arrested about 4pm on Sunday and faced the Brisbane Magistrates Court on Monday charged with more than 30 offences.

The 49-year-old was arrested by officers from the Brisbane City property crime team.

She was charged with 14 counts of fraud, possessing dangerous drugs, burglary, stealing and three counts of entering a dwelling and committing an indictable offence.

“She was being held in the watchhouse pending a transfer to a correctional facility,” a police statement said.

“While the circumstances of the death are to be determined, the investigation will include consideration of any underlying health conditions.“

“Cultural support is being provided by Murri Watch with representatives visiting the watchhouse this morning.

“The matter is being overviewed by the Office of the State Coroner and the Crime and Corruption Commission.”

CCTV footage will be reviewed as part of the investigation.

A Queensland Ambulance Service spokesman confirmed paramedics were called to the watchhouse today but declined to comment further.

Originally published as Police investigate woman’s death in Brisbane watchhouse