Sandra Bland family calls for independent autopsy

LISLE, Ill. (WLS) -- The family of Sandra Bland is now calling for an independent autopsy into the 28-year old's death.

This comes as dozens of people walked and prayed at a west suburban church for the Chicago area native found dead in a Texas jail cell last week.

The group gathered at the DuPage AME Church Sunday morning, where they sang, walked and prayed together. Bland attended the church, before she moved to Texas for a new job.

She was pulled over for a traffic violation and then later died in her cell. The medical examiner says her death was ruled a suicide, but relatives say they do not believe the official account of her death, saying she would not have committed suicide..

The pastor at the church says a judgement should not be made until the investigation is complete.

"This is very difficult," said Rev. James Miller. "No parent wants to lose their child."

The group also signed a petition. They want the attorney general to conduct what they call an independent and thorough investigation.

The Texas Department of Public Safety said Friday that it found "violations" by police during Bland's arrest, and the officer involved has been assigned to "administrative duties."