VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Tears fell during a public comment section of a recent Virginia Beach City Council meeting as the sisters of Rolin Hill, a 34-year-old man who died in the hospital after suffering a medical emergency while in jail last June, called for better mental health resources in the city.
Rolin Hill was arrested on June 4, accused of trespassing at a 7-Eleven at the corner of Dam Neck Road and Brigands Way. Virginia Beach police placed Hill in a restraint called the WRAP, and he was still in that restraint when he was transferred to the custody of Virginia Beach Sheriff's Office deputies at the jail.
Shortly after arriving at the booking area, court documents report that Hill experienced a medical emergency. He was taken to the hospital, where he died on June 10.
Five deputies involved in restraining him were fired from the sheriff's office in October. The following January, three of the former deputies were charged with second-degree murder. After body camera footage from the incident was shared in court, people raised significant concerns about the circumstances surrounding Hill’s death.
New policies were implemented at the sheriff's office last year to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. However, Hill's loved ones want more to be done.
While addressing the council Tuesday night, Rolin Hill's sisters, Chane and Korey Hill, said they believe their brother was experiencing a mental health crisis when he was arrested.
"My questions for the city council tonight are, what is the city of Virginia Beach going to do to better combat mental health challenges? Why is there no inpatient facility in Virginia Beach, other than VB Psych, to offer essential services?" Korey asked.
Chane expressed frustration over the lack of communication from city officials: "I would like to know why my family never heard from anyone on the city council. What actions have been taken to address the mental health crises happening all around us? Are there better training programs? Are more beds becoming available?"
Despite the sisters’ requests for assistance and accountability, city council members did not respond following their comments. Our attempts to speak with Hill's family for further comment were declined.
The three former deputies charged in Hill's death are scheduled to face trial later this year.
