Alexandria Inmate Dies After Suicide Attempt: Sheriff's Office

ALEXANDRIA, VA — An inmate at the Alexandria Detention Center died after an apparent attempt to take his life, according to the Alexandria Sheriff's Office.

The sheriff's office said Christopher Lapp, 62, was alone when found unresponsive in his cell at William G. Truesdale Adult Detention Center around 1:37 a.m. on May 18. Deputies and detention center medical staff provided aid and called 911. Medics took Lapp to Inova Alexandria Hospital, where he died at 6:32 p.m.

Lapp had been held at the detention center on federal charges since March 1, per a sheriff's office agreement with the U.S. Marshals Service. Lapp was charged in a November 2018 armed bank robbery in Great Falls. On March 27, 2019, he was indicted by a grand jury in the Eastern District of Virginia on charges of bank robbery, carjacking and two counts of using a firearm in relation to a crime of violence.

The trial did not immediately move forward as the court found Lapp to be incompetent to stand trial on Jan. 24, 2020, according to court documents. He was ordered to receive a psychiatric and psychological assessment. After receiving treatment, he was determined to be competent, and a trial date was set for Sept. 14, 2021. On April 16, 2021, Lapp pleaded guilty to bank robbery, carjacking and one count of using a firearm in relation to a crime of violence. Per a plea agreement, the second count of using a firearm in relation to a crime of violence was dismissed.

On March 5 and April 16, the court had ordered Lapp be returned to Federal Medical Center, Butner, a federal prison for men with special health needs. During the plea hearing on April 16, counsel noted the detention center discontinued his medication after a clinician determined Lapp was not mentally ill. Counsel provided notice to the court on April 23 that Lapp had not been returned to Butner, according to court documents.

A motion to discuss the case due to Lapp's death was filed on May 19.

Since it was an in-custody death, Alexandria Police will conduct a death investigation. The sheriff's office is also conducting an internal review.

Anyone who is struggling can get help by calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or by texting HOME to 741741.