Death of Alexandria Mom Shocked by Stun Gun in Custody Ruled 'Accident'

Fairfax County Police issued new information Tuesday on the death of Alexandria mom Natasha McKenna.

McKenna, who had a history of mental illness, was being held at the Fairfax County jail on an Alexandria charge when she was shocked multiple times by a stun gun while she was shackled, by officers trying to transport her to Alexandria. She later died.

McKenna was being held at the Fairfax jail on a charge of assaulting a police officer, after an incident in January with Alexandria police.

She was in custody in Fairfax for more than a week, from Jan. 26 to Feb. 3; officials say that Alexandria did not act on requests to pick her up, so county deputies decided to transfer her themselves, saying that her mental state was deteriorating. Fairfax officials have said that McKenna could not get mental health care unless she was in Alexandria custody.

On Tuesday, Fairfax County Police detectives obtained McKenna’s completed autopsy report from the Department of Health, Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.

As quoted from the Report of Autopsy:

“Cause of Death: Excited delirium associated with physical restraint including use of conductive energy device, contributing: Schizophrenia and Bi-Polar Disorder”

“Manner of Death: Accident”

Detectives are still awaiting examination reports for the medical equipment that was utilized to monitor McKenna’s vital signs prior to paramedics responding to the Adult Detention Center.

As is customary in all complex criminal investigations, forensic analysis of all potential evidence, though time intensive, is standard to ensuring all proper and fair conclusions are reached based on accurate and detailed facts. This investigation, once complete, including all evidence collected, including the recently received medical examiner’s report, any audio or video recordings, witness statements, and any other facts relevant to the case will be turned over to the Commonwealth’s Attorney for the County of Fairfax for final determination of criminal liability.

The Fairfax County Police Department’s Major Crimes Division is the investigative entity for criminal purposes only.

The Fairfax County Police Department will provide further updates within the next 30 days or as soon as additional information becomes available.

Also read:

• Details Released in Death Investigation of Alexandria Woman
• Jail Death: Video Under Wraps During Investigation, Police Say
• Sheriff’s Office: Alexandria Woman, ‘Tased’ in Custody, Dies Sunday