VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — The defense team for former Virginia Beach sheriff’s deputy Eric Baptiste, one of three former deputies charged with second-degree murder for the in-custody death of Rolin Hill, called for the appointment of a special prosecutor in court Thursday, citing connections between Baptiste and the Virginia Beach Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office.
Three former Virginia Beach deputies indicted for in-custody death of inmate
In June 2024, Hill, 34, was arrested at a 7-Eleven after he was reported trespassing on the property. Hill was placed in a restraint device called a wrap before being taken to the Virginia Beach jailhouse.
Body camera footage revealed the moments when Baptiste and two other sheriff’s deputies attempted to remove the wrap. Hill was struck repeatedly while two of the deputies kneeled on his neck and torso as they tried to restrain him. Hill was then taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Initially, Hill’s death was said to be due to a medical emergency, but was later ruled a homicide by asphyxiation, according to the state medical examiner.
Loved ones remember Rolin Hill, allegedly beaten by Virginia Beach deputies
In court, the defense team for Baptiste said that connections between the defendant, his wife and the Virginia Beach Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office justified the appointment of a special attorney. The judge ultimately denied this motion, saying there was no clear indication of these connections…