Inmate Died Of Fentanyl, Lidocaine Intoxication: Medical Examiner

MANASSAS, VA — An inmate at the Prince William County Adult Detention Center died of fentanyl and lidocaine intoxication, according to an autopsy by the office of the chief medical examiner. The inmate, Mohammad Ekram Sherdil, died on Feb. 23.

Lidocaine is a local anesthetic, known for its numbing effect. It is often used topically in minor medical procedures. Fentanyl is a prescription opioid used to treat severe pain. It is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

Authorities have not announced the drugs got into the jail.

Sherdil had been at the jail since February 2017, according to court records. He was awaiting trial for several charges related to a shooting that occurred in the Forestdale neighborhood of Dale City in December 2016.

Read more: Suspect Identified in Shootings Friday in Woodbridge: Police

Sherdil was charged with attempted murder, carjacking, abduction, and conspiracy to dispense drugs. His court dates were originally scheduled throughout 2017 and 2018, but his trial was delayed for unspecified reasons.

Sherdil was originally represented by a court-appointed attorney, but he later hired his own counsel, according to Sherdil's previous attorney. Before his death, Sherdil's case was scheduled to go to trial in September 2021.

See also: Inmate Dies Awaiting Trial While At Prince William Jail: Police

In a report from February, the Prince William County Police Department said foul play was not a factor in Sherdil's death. Jennifer Smith, the northern district administrator for the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, stated that Sherdil's death was an accident.

The Prince William County Adult Detention Center said that the Prince William County Police Department is still investigating the incident.