Inmate death investigation

NEWPORT NEWS - An inmate hanged himself in his cell at the Newport News City Jail on Saturday, January 4, 2025.

A deputy making rounds found the 38-year-old Newport News resident in a seated position and unresponsive at 3:03 a.m. and immediately called for assistance.  A team of deputies and medical staff performed CPR and used an AED until paramedics arrived, but they could not revive him.  The inmate was pronounced dead at 3:22 a.m.  

The inmate’s name won’t be released until next of kin is notified.  He had been in custody since his June 2023 arrest on charges of assault and battery, strangulation, and malicious wounding.  He had a scheduled court appearance later this month.  

His death is under investigation by the Newport News Sheriff's Office and the Newport News Police Department, which is standard procedure.  The incident also has been reported to the Virginia Department of Corrections, which reviews all in-custody deaths.

The medical examiner will determine the cause and manner of death.  No foul play is suspected.