3 former VB deputies charged with 2nd degree murder after Rolin Hill’s death

On By Littum

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – Three former Virginia Beach deputies are charged with 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 of Virginia Beach, 39-year-old Michael Kidd of Chesapeake and 34-year-old Kevin Wilson of Virginia Beach.

Baptiste and Kidd are also charged with assault and battery, facing five counts and two counts, respectively.

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The charges come after a special grand jury heard evidence regarding Mr. Hill’s arrest and booking at 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 taken to the Virginia Beach Correctional Center for trespassing at a 7-Eleven off Brigands Way near Holland Road.

In October, five of the deputies involved were terminated by the Virginia Beach Sheriff’s Office.

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News 3 obtained an arrest warrant in June that said Hill was asked to leave the store by both the manager and an officer present, but he refused. In addition, Hill “became disorderly,” began fighting officers and tried to grab an officer’s equipment when told he was under arrest, an officer alleged.

At the jail, Hill became “uncooperative and belligerent,” prompting deputies to detain 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 by positional and mechanical asphyxia due to restraint with neck and torso compression.

In addition, they reported that his manner of death was a homicide.

Virginia Beach Sheriff Rocky Holcomb released the following statement about the indictment:

“I have confidence in the criminal justice system to ensure justice for both Rolin Hill and the individuals involved in this incident. For that reason, I requested an independent third-party investigation by the Virginia State Police immediately after being notified of what happened, and I cooperated fully with this investigation. This investigation ultimately led to the indictment announced today by the Virginia Beach Commonwealth’s Attorney. I remain committed to transparency and accountability community. However, due to the pending criminal case and the need to protect the integrity of these proceedings, I cannot release any further information about this incident at this time. My heart goes out to Mr. Hill’s family compassion and support as they seek healing and justice.”