3 former cops accused of fatally restraining man are charged with murder in Virginia
Three former deputies are indicted in connection with the death of a man restrained in a Virginia jail, authorities said.
Rolin Hill, 34, died in June at a hospital days after deputies at the Virginia Beach Correctional Center restrained him, causing a medical emergency, local outlets reported.
At the time, the Virginia Beach NAACP released a statement saying the organization was “concerned about the circumstances surrounding (his) death,” WAVY reported.
In October, Hill’s death was ruled a homicide. A spokesperson for the Tidewater medical examiner’s office told The Virginian-Pilot he died from “asphyxia due to restraint with neck and torso compression.”
All five deputies were placed on leave during the investigation and later fired, the Virginia Beach Sheriff’s Office said in an Oct. 18 statement.
Now, three of the five former deputies are facing charges, the Commonweath’s Attorney for the city of Virginia Beach, said in a Jan. 3 news release.
Eric Baptiste, 39, is charged with second-degree murder and five counts of assault and battery; Michael Kidd, 39, is charged with second-degree murder and two counts of assault and battery; and Kevin Wilson, 34, is charged with one count of second-degree murder, according to the release.
“I have faith in the criminal justice system to ensure justice is served for both Rolin Hill and the individuals involved in this incident,” Virginia Beach Sheriff Rocky Holcomb said in a Jan. 3 statement. “My heart continues to be with the family of Mr. Hill and I send them my sincerest condolences and support as they seek healing and justice.”
Family and friends remembered Hill as a “beloved brother, son, nephew and friend” who enjoyed surfing, skateboarding and spending time with his family.
“Rolin had the biggest heart and loved others and loved to be there for others,” according to his obituary.
