Lilith Marcotte
Lilith Marcotte, a 32-year-old transgender woman, died at Red Onion State Prison in Wise County, Virginia, on November 25, 2025. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner ruled her death a homicide, and the Virginia Department of Health gave the cause as asphyxia due to chest compression. Court documents say she was placed on a five-point restraint table with a chest strap before she died. The Virginia Department of Corrections agreed to pay $2.7 million to settle her family's wrongful death lawsuit, without admitting liability. The Wise County Commonwealth's Attorney's office is investigating, and the advocacy group UPROAR has asked the prosecutor to recuse himself over relationships between his staff and prison employees, a claim he disputes.
Cause of death, as reported: Killed by staff (disputed). The state medical examiner ruled the death a homicide from asphyxia due to chest compression, and court documents say she was placed on a five-point restraint table with a chest strap; the Wise County Commonwealth's Attorney is investigating, and advocates UPROAR have asked that he recuse himself over ties between his staff and prison employees.
Reported by: Virginia Department of Health (medical examiner or coroner); Office of the Chief Medical Examiner of Virginia (medical examiner or coroner); court documents; UPROAR (advocates).
Lawsuit: Her family sued over her death and the Virginia Department of Corrections agreed to pay $2.7 million to settle, without admitting liability.