Woman Demands Answers After Husband Dies In Jail

A D.C. woman wants to know what caused her 49-year-old husband to die while police custody in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.

Metro Transit Police say Samuel Shields got into a dispute over a $2 bus fare at the Addison Road Metro station on Tuesday.

Officers pepper sprayed him and took him into custody. 

"I'm very upset about what went on because he didn't deserve this," Regina Shields said. "If he got violent either someone provoked him or whatever. But he's not a violent person at all."

Samuel was taken to the Prince George's County Jail in Upper Marlboro around 12:30 p.m., a jail spokeswoman told News 4. They said he continued to be disruptive and was separated from the other inmates. 

"They just keep saying he was talking loud, wouldn't put on the uniform, and I don't know what happened after that," Regina explained.

Authorities say Shields became medically distressed and was taken to the hospital, where he later died.

"I just want the truth of why my husband is dead," she continued.

Regina says her husband suffered from congestive heart failure, sleep apnea and mental illness. But she doesn't believe he died as a result of those issues.

"I think it was foul play. I really do, in my heart."

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