Richland Coroner ID's Woman Who Died in Police Custody

The identity of a woman who died Tuesday while in the custody of Columbia Police has been released.

Letitia M. Johnson, 49, was identified by her husband Thursday night, Richland County Coroner Gary Watts said Friday afternoon.

He had last spoken to Johnson on Monday and was unable to reach her by cell phone Tuesday or Wednesday, Watts said. One of the husband's cousins said he saw an article in a local newspaper and contacted Johnson's husband Thursday. 

An autopsy conducted Wednesday showed no signs of trauma or any injuries to the woman, Watts said. The cause of death is still pending toxicology results.

"Preliminary results point towards some type of drug overdose," he said.

Johnson was arrested in Five Points on Tuesday after officers received complaints that she was running around in traffic, screaming, and jumping into cars.

While being transported to the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center, Johnson started screaming again and became unresponsive.

She was transported by EMS to Palmetto Health Baptist where she was pronounced dead.

The State Law Enforcement Division was investigating because the incident occurred while Johnson was in police custody.