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Medical Examiner: Richmond inmate died of head wound suffered 11 years ago

Posted at 11:20 PM, Oct 15, 2015
and last updated 2015-10-15 23:58:20-04

RICHMOND, Va. -- A Richmond inmate was found dead inside his jail cell in July and the Richmond Medical Examiner now says he died of a seizure.

But could another man, who was miles away at the time of his death,  be charged with his murder?

That's not likely, says CBS 6 legal expert Todd Stone.

Demond Goodall plead guilty and served time for shooting Zachary Tuggle in the head in 2004.  More than a decade later, the Medical Examiner’s report states the resulting head wound caused Tuggle to die while he was locked up at the Richmond Justice Center.

Zachary Tuggle 2

Zachary Tuggle

Tuggle was arrested Halloween night 2014 on a weapon and drug charge. Nine months later, on the sixth floor of the city jail, he was pronounced dead after suffering a seizure.

"When he had the seizure, they couldn't get to him fast enough to save him,” said Mamie McCloud, Tuggle's grandmother.

Now, learning that her grandson's cause of death is homicide, she's looking to hold someone accountable, starting with the man convicted of shooting him, Goodall.

Would you want him brought up on a murder charge? CBS 6 reporter Jon Burkett asked.  “Yes I would,” McCloud said. “He was responsible.  He should be brought up."

Demond Goodall

Demond Goodall

Tuggle struggled with seizures ever since he was shot walking down Delmont Street in Henrico County in the early morning hours of July 17, 2004.

Stone said the likelihood of Goodall seeing a murder charge is nearly impossible. "If he was convicted for the shooting offense, then double jeopardy would prevent a subsequent prosecution," said Stone.

Stone adds that McCloud could certainly go after Goodall in civil court which she said is something her family will soon explore.  "We should and we will," she promised.

Tuggle was one of three jail inmates that died within a 72-hour period back in July.

McCloud said the months that have passed since, have been difficult and she continues to pray just to get through each day.

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