Investigation continues into jail cell suicide - WVVA TV Bluefield Beckley WV News, Weather and Sports

Investigation continues into jail cell suicide

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BLUEFIELD (WVVA) - The investigation into the jail cell suicide of a Bluefield murder suspect continues, while financial issues threaten to close the facility, officials said Tuesday.

Corp. A.P. Christian with the West Virginia State Police -- who is investigating the suicide of 54-year-old Donald Adams -- tells WVVA News no wrongdoing has been found on the part of any police officer in the handling of Adams.

A day before his death, Adams had confessed to the shooting of Bluefield residents Doug and Monika Watkins at the couple's city home. Mr. Watkins died from his injuries, while Monika continues a slow road to recovery in a Roanoke hospital.

As for the future of the jail, city officials say its doors could be closed due lack of funding.

"We are still evaluating what we are going to do," Mayor Linda Whalen said. "There is a huge cost to keeping open a jail and we are one of the few municipalities in this state that maintains a jail."

Whalen said the city is planning a meeting to discuss the future of the jail, but no date has been set.

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