Christopher Lee Franklin
Christopher Lee Franklin, 40, was a U.S. Marine veteran who later worked as a contractor, and his family remembers him as a son, brother, father of four and veteran. He died by suicide on July 26, 2026, while held at the Rappahannock Regional Jail, where he was awaiting a jury trial. His family says he had depression, PTSD and anxiety, that he repeatedly told staff about suicidal thoughts, and that he was taken off suicide watch and required safety checks were not made for more than an hour before he was found. His sister also says he was not given prescribed mental health medication or medication for his eye surgery, and that he could not eat the jail food, and the family says he maintained his innocence and is asking for public answers.
Cause of death, as reported: Died by suicide (neglect alleged). His family says he repeatedly told staff about suicidal thoughts, was taken off suicide watch, and was not checked for more than an hour before he was found; his sister also says he was denied prescribed mental health medication.
Reported by: family.