An incident between Jema Schunke and Virginia Hampton occurred on Friday, August 15, which resulted in Schunke being seriously hurt and unresponsive, as reported by JSO.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A Duval County jail inmate passed away on Friday, a week after she was involved in a confrontation with her cellmate, according to an announcement from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities reported that the conflict between Jema Schunke, 47, and Virginia Hampton, 58, took place at the pre-trial detention center on Friday, August 15, leaving Schunke with critical injuries.
During a routine check, officers discovered Schunke in her cell, unconscious, and immediately provided emergency care. She was taken to the hospital by the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department, where she received treatment for several days. Jail authorities were informed that her injuries were potentially fatal.
The JSO’s Cold Case Unit was alerted and launched an investigation into the matter. According to police, it was found that Schunke and her cellmate Hampton had been in a physical dispute. After a discussion with detectives, Hampton was re-arrested for committing battery inside a detention center.
Authorities also stated that earlier in the week, Schunke was involved in another confrontation with a different inmate, and this incident is also under investigation.
After days of treatment, police said Schunke’s condition worsened, and she was pronounced dead Friday.
Detectives are working with the Medical Examiner’s Office as the investigation continues into the cause of Schunke’s death. The results of the investigation will determine whether more charges will be filed as a result of her death.
