Five Virginia deputies have lost their jobs following the ruling of a homicide in the death of an inmate during a restraint.
Authorities have reported that Rolin Hill, a 34-year-old individual, passed away in June during the process of being booked into the Virginia Beach Correctional Center by several deputies. This tragic incident occurred just a few days after Hill’s arrest on charges of trespassing, resisting arrest, and disorderly conduct.
The Virginia Beach Sheriff’s Office stated that Hill exhibited uncooperative and combative behavior during the booking process, which led to his restraint. Soon after his arrival at the jail, he experienced a medical emergency and was swiftly transported to a nearby hospital. Tragically, Hill passed away six days later.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined that Hill’s cause of death was due to “positional and mechanical asphyxia resulting from being restrained with compression to the neck and torso.”
The deputies who were involved in Hill’s booking have been fired, according to a statement released by the sheriff’s office.
Sheriff Rocky Holcomb stated that the deputies of the Virginia Beach Sheriff’s Office involved in the Rolin Hill case are no longer employed by the Virginia Beach Sheriff’s Office, according to updates from the Virginia State Police.
Soon after Hill’s passing, two close friends of his voiced their disagreement with the initial information released by authorities regarding the circumstances surrounding the 34-year-old’s death in June.
People who knew Hill described him as having a small build and remembered that he struggled with his mental health.
According to Hill’s friend, it is mentioned that he was described as combative. However, the friend questions the need for five deputies to restrain him, considering his physical stature. The friend also clarifies that Hill did not possess any weapons or dangerous items apart from occasional mental health issues, which had been addressed.
The Virginia State Police and the Virginia Beach Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office are currently investigating the case. As of now, there have been no arrests or charges made in relation to Hill’s killing.
The Virginia Beach Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office has confirmed that they are aware of the cause of death and the termination of the employment of the five deputies by the Sheriff’s Office. However, the findings of the Sheriff’s internal investigation will not affect the ongoing independent criminal investigation conducted by the Virginia State Police and the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office. The latter has been in communication with the Virginia State Police since the investigation began. Once the Virginia State Police submit their report, it will be thoroughly reviewed by the office. The public’s patience is requested during this ongoing investigation, and an update will be provided at the conclusion of the review.
The Virginia Beach NAACP also released a statement, saying that they “continue to stand with the family of Rolin Hill and call for justice and transparency.”
“Although the medical examiner has confirmed that the death of Hill was a homicide, the Virginia State police continues to investigate this incident and no charges have been issued,” the statement read. We await the final findings of the report and hope that those who participated in this crime will be held accountable up to the fullest extent of the law.”
According to The Pilot’s obituary, Hill was a sports aficionado who favored the Atlanta Braves, Dallas Cowboys, and Phoenix Suns. He achieved the Eagle Scout badge in his youth and enjoyed surfing, going to the beach, and spending time with his family.
“Rolin went on to do one more amazing final act; he donated his heart, his liver and kidneys that saved four other people’s lives,” the obituary reads . “Mental health in America is still a major issue. In remembrance of Rolin his family asks that you would contribute to any mental health foundation.”
