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Newport News police investigate death at city jail

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Newport News, Va. – Newport News police are investigating a woman’s apparent suicide at the city jail early Friday morning.

When police arrived at the jail around 3:10 am they were told by Sheriff’s Office personnel that the victim, a 54-year-old Newport News woman, was found unconscious in a cell in the booking area.

It appeared as though the victim had used an article of clothing to hang herself. The woman was pronounced deceased at the scene by medics.

Her body was transported to the medical examiner’s office in Norfolk to be examined and the official cause of death determined.

The woman had been arrested by Newport News Police for second offense driving under the influence of alcohol and had been placed in the custody of the jail.

The death is being investigated by the Newport News Police Department’s Homicide Unit.