VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Three former Virginia Beach deputies are accused of murder in the death of Rolin Hill.
The following former deputies are charged with second-degree murder, according to the Commonwealth's Attorney's Office: 39-year-old Eric Baptiste from Virginia Beach, 39-year-old Michael Kidd from Chesapeake, and 34-year-old Kevin Wilson from Virginia Beach.
Baptiste and Kidd are also charged with assault and battery, facing five counts and two counts, respectively.
Watch previous coverage: Five Virginia Beach sheriff’s deputies fired following death of Rolin Hill, VBSO says
The charges come after a special grand jury heard evidence regarding Mr. Hill’s arrest and booking into the Virginia Beach Correctional Center, according to the Commonwealth's Attorney's Office.
Hill was arrested by the Virginia Beach Police Department on June 4 and brought to the Virginia Beach Correctional Center for trespassing at a 7-Eleven off of Brigands Way near Holland Road.
In October, five of the deputies involved were terminated by the Virginia Beach Sheriff's Office.
Watch previous coverage: Virginia Beach NAACP concerned about circumstances around death of Rolin Hill
News 3 obtained an arrest warrant in June that said Hill was told to leave the store by both the manager and an officer present but he refused. In addition, Hill “became disorderly,” started fighting officers and tried to grab an officer’s gear when he was told he was under arrest, an officer claimed.
At the jail, Hill became "uncooperative and combative," which prompted deputies to restrain him for "his safety and the safety of the arresting officers and jail deputies."
Shortly after his arrest, Hill experienced a medical emergency at the Virginia Beach Correctional Center and was transported to Sentara Princess Anne where he later died.
The Virginia Office of the Chief Medical Examiner reported that Hill's death was caused due to positional and mechanical asphyxia due to restraint with neck and torso compression.
In addition, they reported his manner of death was a homicide.
On Friday News 3 spoke with the Virginia Beach NAACP who said the indictments help bring more context to the incident but raises concerns.
"It brings a lot of light to the situation, issues around accountability and transparency within the law enforcement agencies, we're deeply concerned about the issue and the situation that has taken place," Eric Majette, president of the VB NAACP, said.
Virginia Beach Sheriff Rocky Holcomb released the following statement on the indictment:
“I have faith in the criminal justice system to ensure justice is served for both Rolin Hill and the individuals involved in this incident. For that reason, I requested an independent, third-party investigation by Virginia State Police immediately upon being notified of what occurred and cooperated fully with that investigation. That investigation ultimately led to the charging decision announced by the Virginia Beach Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office today. I remain committed to transparency and accountability with the community. However, due to the pending criminal proceedings and the need to protect the integrity of those proceedings, I cannot release additional information about this incident at this time. My heart continues to be with the family of Mr. Hill and I send them my sincerest condolences and support as they seek healing and justice.”
Majette said he feels the sheriff's office has been transparent as they can be given the investigation.
"At this point, I feel like they have been transparent but further time will let us know for sure," Majette said.
On Saturday at 3:30 p.m. a vigil will be held for Hill at Mt. Trashmore.
The Virginia Beach NAACP said they've kept in contact with hill's family and while this happened over the summer it is still fresh and painful for them.
