MEMPHIS, TN – The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) has launched an investigation into the death of 54-year-old Rinaldo Bankston, who passed away early Tuesday, February 4, while in the custody of the Memphis Police Department (MPD).
Authorities reported that Bankston experienced a “medical emergency” shortly after being detained. According to MPD, officers responded to a disturbance near Rayner Street and East Person Avenue in South Memphis around 1:50 a.m. They discovered Bankston allegedly involved in a kidnapping incident. After taking him into custody, officers noticed signs of a medical issue and called emergency responders. Bankston was transported to Methodist University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The exact circumstances surrounding Bankston’s death remain unclear. Officials have not disclosed details about the alleged kidnapping or what may have led to his medical condition. The TBI is now leading the investigation, as is standard procedure for deaths involving law enforcement.
Neighbors expressed shock over Bankston’s sudden death. Shawna Isaac, a longtime resident, recalled seeing him regularly. “I always see him sitting on the porch with his little puppy,” she said. “We’d talk sometimes, just neighborly chats. Never thought something like this would happen.”
While MPD has stated that officers attempted to provide assistance, questions remain about what caused Bankston’s medical emergency. Community members and advocates are calling for transparency as the investigation continues. The case has also reignited broader concerns about police custody deaths and accountability.
As the TBI gathers evidence, officials urge patience, promising a thorough and fair investigation. The findings will determine whether Bankston’s death was purely medical or if any external factors contributed. Until then, his neighborhood mourns the loss of a familiar face, left with memories of a man who, by many accounts, was a peaceful presence in their community.