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Virginia Beach Correctional Center inmate dies at hospital after attempting suicide

Jillian Grabowski mug
Jillian Callie Grabowski

A Virginia Beach Correctional Center inmate died on Sunday, June 19, 2022, at Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital following a suicide attempt in which deputies intervened.

While conducting a routine security check at 12:20 p.m. on Saturday, June 18, 2022, a deputy sheriff found Jillian Callie Grabowski, 38, of Chesapeake, attempting suicide in her cell. The deputy immediately called for assistance, intervened to stop the suicide attempt and began CPR. Jail medical staff – two registered nurses and two licensed practical nurses – responded and provided medical care until the arrival of the Virginia Beach Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services, which took over care and transported the inmate to Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital. She was declared deceased the next afternoon, at 12:45 p.m. on Sunday, June 19, 2022.

Grabowski was booked into the Virginia Beach Correctional Center on April 17, 2022, on two felony charges – possession of a Schedule I/II controlled substance and sale of a Schedule I/II controlled substance – and two misdemeanor charges – possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a Schedule III controlled substance. She was denied bond by the magistrate and was scheduled for a preliminary hearing on July 14, 2022.

Jail staff conducted a full medical and mental health screening, and Grabowski gave no indication that she was suicidal. Prior to her June 18, 2022, suicide attempt, she was last checked on by a deputy during a routine security check at 11:49 a.m. All security checks were conducted as required by the Virginia Beach Sheriff’s Office and Virginia Department of Corrections.

As with all in-custody deaths, the incident is being investigated by the Virginia Beach Police Department and Virginia Beach Sheriff’s Office. As required, the incident has also been reported to the Virginia Department of Corrections, which reviews all in-custody deaths and has the authority to investigate. No foul play is suspected.

The official cause and manner of death is determined by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Norfolk.

Sheriff Ken Stolle and the Virginia Beach Sheriff's Office send their sincere condolences to her loved ones.

Any questions or requests for additional information from the news media may be directed to spokeswoman Kathy Hieatt: khieatt@vbso.net or 757.570.9123 (cell).