In-Custody Death Investigation

The Norfolk Sheriff’s Office and Norfolk Police Department are investigating the death of a Norfolk City Jail inmate that occurred in the early morning hours of September 11, 2026. Norfolk Sheriff’s Office Deputies were delivering breakfast meals to inmates at approximately 5:15 a.m. when they located a male inmate semiconscious in his cell. Medical personnel and Norfolk Sheriff’s Office Deputies were speaking with the inmate when he suffered a medical emergency. Medical personnel and Sheriff’s Deputies immediately performed CPR until relieved by Norfolk Fire and Rescue personnel. The inmate 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. The name of the inmate is being withheld pending next of kin notification.

The Norfolk Sheriff’s Office is committed to providing an environment of life, health, safety and security for those in our custody and their well-being is always our top concern. We are in the very early stages of the investigation and are following all standard procedures for an in-custody death investigation. 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; and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will determine the official cause of death. The Virginia Department of Corrections, which reviews all in-custody deaths, has already been notified.

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