JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said a woman died at a local hospital on Friday, one week after she was involved in a fight with a cellmate at the Duval County Jail.
Virginia Hampton, 58, was re-arrested and accused of committing battery in a detention facility for her alleged role in the incident, JSO said.
According to police, Jema Schunke, 47, was taken to the hospital in the late evening hours on Aug. 15 after she was found unresponsive in her cell.
Image of Jema Schunke, 47. (Credit: Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office) (Copyright 2025 by WJXT News4JAX – All rights reserved.)
JSO said medical aid was immediately provided to Schunke before Jacksonville Fire and Rescue personnel took her to the hospital.
“Jail Administration were notified shortly after she arrived at the ER, that Ms. Schunke’s injuries were potentially life-threatening,” JSO said, which led to cold case detectives being notified.
Following an investigation, authorities said they learned that before Schunke was found unresponsive, she had been in a physical fight with a cellmate, which left her dealing with significant injuries.
JSO said its detectives, following an interview, managed to identify Hampton as the cellmate who was involved in the fight before re-arresting her.
Image of Virginia Hampton, 58. (Credit: Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office) (Copyright 2025 by WJXT News4JAX – All rights reserved.)
Schunke remained at the hospital as she received treatment for her injuries; however, police say they were notified by medical staff that her condition had worsened since she was admitted.
She was declared dead on Friday, JSO said.
Police said its investigators also learned of an altercation between Schunke and a separate person at the Duval County Jail earlier in the same week of the incident between her and Hampton. “[Detectives] are following up on the circumstances surrounding this incident as well,” JSO said.
JSO added that its cold case detectives are continuing to work with the Medical Examiner’s Office in their investigation to determine Schunke’s cause of death, which could lead to more potential charges being filed.
Copyright 2025 by WJXT News4JAX – All rights reserved.