NORFOLK – Jail officials here are conducting an “internal review” surrounding the death of an inmate Monday.
The 18-year-old inmate was identified as Daizhaun Danico Johnson, who was booked into Norfolk City Jail without bond in September on charges of failure to appear and auto theft, according to the Norfolk Sheriff’s Office.
Around 11:55 p.m. Monday, a jail deputy came upon Johnson “who appeared to standing in his cell.”
“Upon closer examination, the deputy noticed the inmate was non-responsive and his body was suspended just off the ground,” the sheriff’s office said in a news release.
The deputy immediately called for help and jail personnel “began performing life saving measures until medical staff arrived and took over.”
Johnson was pronounced dead at the scene.
The sheriff’s office said a mental health counselor was made available to inmates immediately following the incident.
Additionally, a sheriff’s office chaplain is available for any staff members who responded.
The sheriff’s office will conduct an internal review, and the Norfolk Police Department “will handle the incident as an undetermined death investigation,” officials said.
The sheriff’s office said no foul play is suspected, “but the official cause and manner of death will be determined by the medical examiner. “
