VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - An inmate at the Virginia Beach Correctional Center died by suicide Sunday evening.
While conducting a routine security check at 6:03 p.m. on April 6, 2025, a deputy sheriff found Michael “Norah” Horwitz, 38, of Virginia Beach unresponsive. The deputy immediately called medical staff, who responded and started CPR while 911 was called. Despite receiving medical attention, medics declared Horwitz deceased at 6:42 p.m.
Horwitz was booked into the Virginia Beach Correctional Center on June 3, 2023, on charges of second-degree murder and assault during the commission of a felony. Horwitz was denied bond by a magistrate and received a full medical and mental health screening by jail medical staff.
As with all in-custody deaths, the incident is being investigated by the Virginia Beach Police Department and Virginia Beach Sheriff’s Office. The incident has also been reported to the Virginia Department of Corrections, which reviews all in-custody deaths and has the authority to investigate.
The Chief Medical Examiner’s Office in Norfolk will determine the official cause and manner of death.
Sheriff Rocky Holcomb personally notified Horwitz’s next of kin, delivering sincere condolences to her family.
“Any death in custody is a tragedy. The investigation and review of our suicide-prevention policies have begun to ensure we are doing everything we can to protect the people entrusted to our care. We also welcome an outside investigation by the Virginia Department of Corrections,” Holcomb said.
“Mental health is a challenge and one of our top priorities at the Virginia Beach Correctional Center,” said Holcomb. “We take this issue seriously and are always looking for ways to improve. Our deputies work hard to protect the inmate population every day and frequently intervene to prevent self-harm, but one of our biggest challenges is often protecting vulnerable people from themselves.”
The Virginia Beach Sheriff’s Office screens all inmates for mental illness, history of depression and suicidal tendencies.
Any questions or requests for additional information from the news media may be directed to Public Information Officer Toni Guagenti at tguagenti@vbso.net , (757) 385-8446 (office) or (757) 373-5012 (cell).