UPDATE: After posting this item, I received this email from Chief Ed Roessler Jr.
Pete:
I fully understand the questions raised and as you mention, the investigation is detailed and I can assure you our detectives have provided a thorough and comprehensive investigation to the Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney. Please understand my intent was never to blame Ms. McKenna. The mission of the investigation was for the detectives to gather all of the facts and evidence related to the entire chain of events. The goal of all the media release(s) to date is to provide a high level of transparency to our community about the investigative steps/process. As you understand with an active case under legal review, I cannot be specific at this point.
I will do my best to answer the investigative questions when appropriate. The policy issues you raise are directed at the Office of the Fairfax County Sheriff and the Alexandria City law enforcement agencies and they are more appropriate for those agency leaders to answer. I can assure you I am working with our partners in the region (local/state/non-profits) to build the Fairfax County Police Department’s capacity to compassionately and safely interact with those suffering from mental illness so that we can direct them to resources to help them through episodes and get long-term help.
Sincerely
Ed Roessler
(7-14-15)
Reporter Jackie Bensen asked me yesterday (July 13) to react to the Fairfax County police announcement that it had finished its investigation into the death of Natasha McKenna. The statement by Police Chief Ed Roessler contained little new information but appeared to me to imply that McKenna was responsible for everything that had happened to her, excusing the actions of the deputies involved in her subsequent death. Everyone involved in this tragedy has said that the public will be told all of the facts, but that certainly hasn’t happened so far.
Police Complete Investigation Into Death of Fairfax County Inmate
As the investigation into the death of Natasha McKenna continues, a local mental health advocate is questioning whether detention center employees used excessive force. News 4’s Jackie Bensen reports.