VACP Recommends Shrouding of Badges for Virginia Corrections Officer Jeremy Lewis Hall
The Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police recommends that all Virginia law enforcement officers shroud their badges in honor of Virginia Corrections Officer Jeremy Lewis Hall, 40, who died following a "violent attack" by an inmate at River North Correctional Center on November 17, 2025.
Shrouding is recommended through the day of funeral services, Sunday, November 23. Services are private.
The VACP expresses our sincerest condolences to VADOC Director Chad Dotson, Senior Deputy Director Joseph Walters, and to the family, friends and colleagues of Corrections Officer Hall. Our prayers are with them at this most difficult time.
“Corrections officers are part of the greater law-enforcement community and their sacrifices should be solemn reminder for all of us of the dangers they face," said VACP President Chief John Patrick Clair (Blacksburg).
VADOC Provides More Information on Fatal Attack at River North Correctional Center
November 18, 2025
RICHMOND. VIRGINIA — The Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) Office of Law Enforcement Services (OLES) continues to investigate the deadly Monday morning attack by an inmate at River North Correctional Center. Additionally, the VADOC is fully cooperating with Grayson County Commonwealth’s Attorney Brandon R. Boyles.
River North inmate John Holomon Russell, 32, attacked Corrections Officer Jeremy Lewis Hall, 40, who was later pronounced dead at a local hospital.
Russell was serving an 11 year, 11 month total sentence. He was sentenced to 15 years with 8 years and 1 month suspended for a carjacking offense (offense date 5/9/2017) in Fairfax County Circuit Court, 3 years for use of a firearm in commission of a felony offense (offense date 5/9/2017) in Fairfax County Circuit Court, and 4 years and 8 months with 2 years and 8 months suspended for a shoplifting offense (offense date 11/15/2016) in Albemarle County Circuit Court.
Two additional Officers were treated at a local hospital following the attack. Both have now been released.
“The Virginia Department of Corrections will never stop saying Officer Jeremy Hall’s name, and the people of Virginia should never forget him,” said VADOC Director Chad Dotson. “As our agency and our public safety heroes at River North Correctional Center continue to process this unspeakable tragedy, please continue to keep Officer Hall’s family and friends in your hearts and minds.”
The attack occurred at approximately 7:53 a.m. Monday, November 17.
The agency activated its Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) team and coordinated with the Virginia Law Enforcement Assistance Program (LEAP), Mount Rogers Community Services, and Anthem’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to provide immediate emotional and psychological support—both on-site and via telephone following the incident. The VADOC Office of Human Resources also deployed on-site personnel and is working closely with the Officer Hall’s family to assist with survivor benefits and connect them to additional resources.
Additionally, personnel from various VADOC units across the agency have been present at the facility, or have offered support remotely, standing in solidarity with the RNCC team during this difficult time.
More information will be released as it becomes available.
VADOC Provides Update on Fatal Attack at River North Correctional Center
November 17, 2025
RICHMOND, VIRGINIA — The Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) Office of Law Enforcement Services (OLES) continues to investigate the deadly Monday morning attack by an inmate at River North Correctional Center.
Corrections Officer Jeremy Lewis Hall, 40, was killed in the vicious attack. Officer Hall had been an employee with the VADOC since April 25, 2024.
“Our agency, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and corrections professionals around the nation join us in mourning the loss of Officer Hall,” said VADOC Director Chad Dotson. “Our hearts continue to be with Officer Hall’s family, friends, and his fellow public safety heroes at River North.”
Two additional Officers were treated at a local hospital following the attack. Both have now been released.
“Please join me in wishing a full recovery to those officers, along with extending support to their families and friends,” said Director Dotson.
The attack occurred at approximately 7:53 a.m. Monday, November 17.
More information will be released as it becomes available.