In-Custody Death Investigation

The Norfolk Sheriff’s Office and Norfolk Police Department are investigating the death of Mr. Dajonthony Lomax, 32, which occurred while he was in custody at the Norfolk City Jail.  When medical and sworn staff visited his cell at approximately 11:17 p.m. on July 11, 2026, Mr. Lomax was found unresponsive. Medical personnel immediately performed CPR until relieved by Norfolk Fire and Rescue personnel. Mr. Lomax was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased. His cause of death is undetermined and the investigation is ongoing, however no foul play is suspected. Mr. Lomax’s next of kin has been notified. 

Mr. Lomax was arrested by Norfolk Police and booked in the Norfolk City Jail on July 9, 2026.

We are in the very early stages of the investigation and as the investigation proceeds, the Norfolk Sheriff’s Office Professional Standards Division will conduct an internal review to ensure all policies and procedures were followed by Norfolk Sheriff’s Office personnel. The Norfolk Police Department will oversee the death investigation jointly with the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. The death has been reported to the Virginia Department of Corrections, which reviews all in-custody deaths.  The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will determine the official cause of death. These are all standard procedures for an in-custody death investigation.

The Norfolk Sheriff’s Office is committed to providing an environment of life, health, and safety for those in our custody and their well-being is always our top concern. Sheriff Joe Baron and all of us at the Norfolk Sheriff’s Office send our condolences to the family of Mr. Lomax.

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