Police Investigate In-Custody Death

The police department’s Major Crimes Division detectives are actively investigating the in-custody death of Natasha McKenna, which occurred on Sunday, February 8. The Office of the Medical Examiner has conducted an autopsy and is awaiting toxicology and pathology tests prior to determining the cause of death.

At this point in the investigation, detectives have determined that McKenna was scheduled to be transported to the Alexandria Adult Detention Center on Tuesday, February 3. She was given commands by deputies in the jail but reportedly physically resisted the deputies. Deputies utilized an electronic control device to restrain McKenna. Once restrained, she was moved to the prisoner transfer area, commonly known as a sally port. While in preparation for transport, she experienced a medical emergency. Rescue was summoned while sheriff’s office medical staff and deputies administered CPR. Rescue then transported McKenna to INOVA Fairfax Hospital, where she died on February 8.

Police detectives will present their entire investigation, which includes all evidence and statements along with the findings of the Office of the Medical Examiner, to the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office for an independent review to determine if there is any criminal liability under the Code of Virginia.

The Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office released a statement about the situation at: http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/sheriff/news/2015/inmate-medical-emergency.htm.