News

Actions

Only on 3: Solitary confinement for Chesapeake security guard charged with murder

Posted at 11:10 AM, Mar 23, 2017
and last updated 2017-03-23 11:11:51-04

PORTSMOUTH. Va. - Jonathan Cromwell turned himself in on February 16 after Chesapeake Police charged him with murder.

Since that day, he has remained behind bars. Attorneys have tried twice to set a bond in the case, twice a judge has denied that bond request.

Every Thursday the Cromwell family gathers outside Hampton Roads Regional Jail for visitation. They are frustrated that Jonathan was moved from the Chesapeake jail as they say his current conditions and privileges are much more restricted.

This is the first time they are speaking to the media about the current status of their son and where the case stands.

As of right now, Jonathan Cromwell is living in solitary confinement. His family tells News 3 that is for his own safety. They are anxious to get the trail underway just so they can get Jonathan out of his current living condition.

Jonathan was also injured while being moved by jail staff. His mother told News 3's Rachael Cardin he has an injury to his elbow after it was hit against steel while jail staff moved him.

Cromwell is charged for the death of a 60 year old Chinese-American man named Jiansheng Chen, according to the Commonwealth's Attorney. Cromwell was a security guard working in the River Walk Clubhouse area when the shooting occurred. Chen's family attorney said Chen was playing Pokemon Go at the time of his death. Cromwell's attorney argues the 60 year old was driving his car at Cromwell and he acted in self defense.

The incident happened at on January 26 at 11 p.m. but Cromwell's arrest did not happen until three weeks later.

On February 27 and again on March 3 a judge denied bond for the 21-year-old security guard saying the number of shots and their grouping is troubling. Preliminary evidence shows seven shots were fired.

His family said he spent his 22nd birthday behind bars, spending 23 hours a day totally alone.

RELATED: 

Security company speaks out after guard charged with murder of Pokemon Go player

Chesapeake security guard charged with murder denied bond for a second time

No bond for Chesapeake security guard charged with murder

Niece of man killed while playing Pokemon Go says suspect was at their house before the shooting

Chesapeake security guard charged with murder of man playing Pokemon Go