Jailed Woman's Death Ruled Homicide From Prior Attack

ROSE HILL, VA—The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has named the August 2017 death of an inmate homicide. Henrietta Smith, 53, of Washington, D.C., died of blunt force trauma to the head, according to autopsy results. Fairfax County detectives believe the attack happened before her arrest in the Rose Hill area. But it was that attack ironically leading to her arrest.

On Aug. 20, police responded to a report of assault in the 5900 block of Woodfield Estates Drive. Officers found someone hit Smith in the head with a blunt object. But she was arrested after police learned she was wanted for a parole violation and had possession of crack cocaine.

She refused medical treatment on the scene, but medical staff examined her when she arrived at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center.

On Aug. 31, a sheriff's deputy discovered Smith needed medical attention. She received aid from deputies and medical staff before being taken to the hospital. She died at the hospital a week later.

Detectives have been investigating that day and are searching for the suspect responsible for what's now considered a homicide. Police will provide an update when new information is available.

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Image via Patch editor Renee Schiavone