Lilith Marcotte
Lilith Marcotte died in late November 2025 while held at Red Onion State Prison in Wise County, Virginia, and her family describes her as a transgender woman. The Virginia Department of Health said the state medical examiner's office ruled her death a homicide, with the cause given as asphyxia due to chest compression. The Virginia Department of Corrections agreed on September 1, 2026 to pay $2.7 million to settle a wrongful death lawsuit brought by her family, without admitting liability. A local prosecutor's investigation and a request for recusal over alleged conflicts have been reported, and one report said it was unclear how she died.
Cause of death, as reported: Killed by staff (disputed). The state medical examiner's office ruled the death a homicide from asphyxia due to chest compression, and the Department of Corrections agreed to pay $2.7 million to settle Lilith's family's wrongful death lawsuit without admitting liability, while one account says it is unclear how she died.
Reported by: Virginia Department of Health (state medical examiner's office) (medical examiner or coroner); Virginia Department of Corrections (the agency that held her); Lilith Marcotte's family and their wrongful death lawsuit (family or their lawyers).
Lawsuit: Her family sued in a wrongful death lawsuit and the Virginia Department of Corrections agreed on September 1, 2026 to pay $2.7 million without admitting liability.
Sources (4)
- VADOC confirms 2nd homicide in Wise County prisons in 2025
- Chesterfield family set to receive $2.7 million after family member died at prison - Richmond Times-Dispatch
- VADOC settles lawsuit over death of Red Onion State Prison inmate for $2.7 million
- $2.7M settlement reached following death of inmate at Red Onion State Prison