Virginia Beach jail deputies face murder charges after Rolin Hill’s death

By Darius Spearman (africanelements)

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KEY TAKEAWAYS
Rolin Hill died at a Virginia Beach jail due to positional and mechanical asphyxia.
Three former deputies have been charged with second-degree murder in Hill’s case.
The Virginia Beach NAACP is demanding accountability and systemic reform.
There is a broader pattern of violence against Black individuals in police custody.
Community response has included vigils and calls for thorough investigations.
Future public safety efforts must prioritize de-escalation and community-based solutions.

Deadly Restraint: The Tragic Case of Rolin Hill and the Fight for Justice

In June 2024, 34-year-old Rolin Hill entered the Virginia Beach jail. Six days later, he was dead. This situation has caused outrage and raised big questions about force in law enforcement. Hill’s untimely death shows the need for fairness and accountability in a system filled with racial bias and unnecessary force.

 

 

The official story describes Hill as an “uncooperative and combative” person who had to be restrained. However, Hill’s friends strongly disagree. They say deputies brutally beat him until he had a medical emergency (The New Yorker). This gap between official and eyewitness accounts highlights the urgent need for transparency and unbiased investigations in such deaths.

The Medical Examiner’s Findings

Months later, the medical examiner’s report revealed Hill’s cause of death. It was ruled a homicide from restraint causing neck and torso compression (The Guardian). This technical language hides a sad truth: Hill suffocated while in custody.

The report clears away confusing stories and shows how deadly excessive force can be. It reminds us that restraining techniques can kill, especially when applied with too much force or for too long.

Deputies Charged: A Step Towards Justice?

In a rare event, three former deputies now face charges related to Hill’s death. Eric G. Baptiste, Michael C. Kidd, and Kevin B. Wilson are charged with second-degree murder. Baptiste and Kidd also face assault and battery charges (The Washington Post). While hopeful, these charges show the bigger issue. Involving multiple officers suggests a culture of violence that needs to change.

The Virginia Beach NAACP calls for accountability and changes in law enforcement practices (Vice). Immediate and major changes are needed. We must rethink public safety, focusing on de-escalation, crisis intervention, and community-based services instead of force.

The Bigger Picture: A Pattern of Violence

The Rolin Hill case is not unique; it fits a larger pattern of violence against Black people in custody. Similar incidents across the U.S. undermine public trust and show the urgent need for change. Charges against deputies are only the beginning of a tough journey towards real accountability.

Often, responses blame individual “bad apples” instead of fixing the system allowing this violence. The problem goes beyond a few officers; it is rooted in a system where force is preferred, and some communities are unfairly viewed as threats.

The Need for Independent Investigations

A key part of accountability is the need for real independent investigations of in-custody deaths. The involvement of state police and the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office in Hill’s case is promising (CNN). However, there must be truly independent bodies without ties to local agencies.

 

 

Such investigations are vital to uncover the truth and ensure justice. They also help restore public trust by showing a commitment to transparency and fairness.

Community Response and the Call for Change

Following Hill’s death and the charges against deputies, the community united to seek justice and change. Family and friends held vigils, celebrating Hill’s life and demanding thorough investigations (BBC). These events are not just for mourning but also assert a strong stance for accountability.

The community’s reaction highlights the significant impact of such incidents on Black communities. Each instance of force repeats trauma and weakens trust in institutions meant to help people.

Beyond Reform: Reimagining Public Safety

While reform calls matter, they often miss the causes of police violence. We must rethink public safety and tackle the roots of systemic racism and excessive force.

• Redirecting funds from traditional policing to community-based services
• Implementing strong de-escalation and crisis intervention programs
• Establishing civilian oversight boards with real power
• Addressing the underlying social and economic issues that contribute to crime and conflict

Understanding Positional and Mechanical Asphyxia

To grasp the gravity of Hill’s death, it’s crucial to understand positional and mechanical asphyxia. These terms describe situations where a person’s body position or restraints prevent normal breathing. Unfortunately, certain restraint methods can lead to this dangerous condition, causing suffocation during arrests or detentions.

Therefore, it’s alarming that restraint techniques continue to be used without considering these risks. Moreover, the use of such methods disproportionately affects marginalized communities.

The Weight of Systemic Racism in Law Enforcement

Hill’s case is not unique but part of a troubling pattern. Systemic racism refers to embedded racial biases within institutions, including law enforcement. This means that policies and practices unfairly target certain groups, leading to disparities in treatment.

As a result, Black individuals are more likely to face deadly encounters with police. In fact, they are three times more likely to be killed by police than white individuals. This alarming statistic shows the deep-rooted issues that must be confronted. (OHCHR Press Release)

The Need for Independent Oversight

Ensuring justice requires truly independent investigations. When police departments investigate their officers, biases can interfere with the process. Therefore, involving external agencies or civilian oversight boards is essential.

Civilian oversight boards consist of community members who monitor police actions. They help hold officers accountable and build trust between law enforcement and the public. Additionally, involving civilians ensures transparency and fairness in investigations. (People Power Washington)

Moreover, independent investigations prevent conflicts of interest. For example, in some cases, state-level agencies step in to provide an unbiased review. This approach can lead to more just outcomes and improve public confidence in the justice system.

Strengthening Community Bonds Through Action

Communities play a vital role in pushing for change. In response to Hill’s death, friends and family held vigils to honor his memory. These gatherings provide space for mourning and unite people in calling for justice.

Such events raise awareness about systemic issues and motivate community members to advocate for reforms. By coming together, communities can demand policy changes and hold officials accountable. Therefore, collective action becomes a powerful tool for transformation.

Implementing community-based solutions, like community policing, can also improve relationships between law enforcement and residents. This approach focuses on collaboration and prioritizes the community’s needs. Consequently, it can lead to safer neighborhoods and increased trust. (Utimaco)

In addition, investing in de-escalation training for officers can reduce reliance on force. Teaching officers how to defuse tense situations peacefully can prevent tragedies. Emphasizing communication over confrontation benefits both law enforcement and the communities they protect.

FAQ

Q: What happened to Rolin Hill in the Virginia Beach jail?
A: Rolin Hill entered the Virginia Beach jail in June 2024 and died six days later under controversial circumstances, sparking outrage and calls for accountability.

Q: How was Rolin Hill’s death officially classified?
A: The medical examiner ruled Hill’s death a homicide caused by positional and mechanical asphyxia due to restraint, highlighting the dangers of excessive force used by law enforcement.

Q: What charges have been filed in relation to Rolin Hill’s death?
A: Three former deputies have been charged with second-degree murder, along with additional charges of assault and battery against two of them, indicating a broader culture of violence within the system.

Q: Why is there a need for independent investigations in cases like Hill’s?
A: Independent investigations are crucial to ensure transparency and accountability, helping to uncover the truth and rebuild public trust in law enforcement.

Q: What are some calls for change in law enforcement practices?
A: Calls for change include redirecting funds to community-based services, implementing de-escalation training, establishing civilian oversight boards, and addressing systemic issues contributing to violence.

Q: What does the community response to Hill’s death signify?
A: The community’s response, through vigils and demands for justice, highlights the deep impact of such incidents on Black communities, reinforcing the call for accountability and systemic reform.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Darius Spearman is a professor of Black Studies at San Diego City College, where he has been teaching since 2007. He is the author of several books, including Between The Color Lines: A History of African Americans on the California Frontier Through 1890. You can visit Darius online at africanelements.org.