Mother seeks answers after son’s death in Henrico jail: 'How could this happen?'

The mother of Samiel Malachi, a 32‑year‑old man who died in custody at Henrico County Jail West in April, is grieving the loss of her only son and calling for answers about the circumstances of his death.

“God have mercy… I just don’t understand. I’m trying not to question God. How could this happen?” Gesina Charles, a local therapist, said through tears.

Malachi, a former Highland Springs High School student who had dreams of becoming a rapper and loved art, had been jailed since December 2025 after being charged with driving under the influence for at least the third time in five years and probation violations.

Charles says her son called her on Easter Sunday, April 5, and told her he feared for his safety.

She said he told her he'd like to be transferred to another jail.

Around 4:30 a.m. on April 6, a Henrico County Sheriff’s deputy called 911 to report a medical emergency involving an inmate at Jail West.

"Life-saving measures were provided, but the inmate, an adult male, was pronounced dead," a statement from the Henrico County Public Safety Media Relations team read.

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