
Gov. Glenn Youngkin plans to watch a videotape showing the last moments of Irvo Otieno’s life, he told reporters Monday in Richmond.
Youngkin called for the public’s patience after seven Henrico County sheriff’s deputies and three Central State Hospital employees were charged with second-degree murder in Otieno’s death.
“There is a judicial process going on and we have to fully respect that, and I ask everybody to please fully respect it,” Youngkin said. “We also can just see the heart-wrenching nature of the challenges in our behavioral health system.”
Youngkin said the incident further demonstrates the need for a major mental health system overhaul. In January, the governor announced a 3-year plan to funnel $230 million into behavioral healthcare — which hinges on the General Assembly finalizing the state budget.