In-Custody Death Investigation

UPDATE, AUGUST 19, 2022:

The deceased has been identified as 24-year-old Philemon Stephen Vinson of Chesapeake.

As is standard procedure, the VA Department of Corrections has been notified and will also be investigating the incident.

Mental health coordinators were made available to inmates who may need to speak with someone regarding yesterday’s incident. Additionally, the Norfolk Sheriff’s Office Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) Team is assisting deputies and NSO personnel who responded.

ORIGINAL RELEASE:

On Thursday, August 18, 2022, at approximately 4:31 p.m., Norfolk Sheriff’s Office deputies were delivering dinner meals to inmates when they found a male inmate unresponsive. Deputies and medical staff attempted life-saving measures but were unsuccessful and the inmate was pronounced deceased at the scene. An initial review of video footage leads us to believe foul play is not suspected.

The inmate, who we are not identifying while awaiting next of kin notification, came into custody at the Norfolk City Jail on August 14, 2022 and was being held on a charge of failure to appear. He appeared in court on August 15, 2022 and was denied bond.

The safety and security of those in our custody is always our top concern. Per protocol, the Norfolk Sheriff’s Office Professional Standards Division will conduct an internal investigation to ensure all policies and procedures were followed by Norfolk Sheriff’s Office personnel and the Norfolk Police Department will handle the death investigation. The body will be turned over to the Medical Examiner’s Office who will determine the official cause of death. 

# # #

The Norfolk Sheriff's Office is a values driven organization
committed to public safety, public service, and public trust.