In Memory of Master Jail Officer Robert Charles Sunukjian

Virginia Jail Officer Dies from COVID Outbreak

Virginia authorities were saddened to announce a veteran jail officer’s loss from the Hampton Roads Regional Jail due to a coronavirus outbreak. Master Jail Officer Robert Charles Sunukjian, age 48, passed away from complications of COVID19 on September 24, 2020. He had worked serving his community at the Hampton Roads facility for over 16 years.

Officer Sunukjian was a member of the Ivor Baptist Church and the Fraternal Order of Police. He enjoyed serving his community and helping others.

Hampton Roads Regional Jail

Master Jail Officer Robert Charles Sunukjian served with the Hampton Roads Regional Jail for over 16 years. The HRRJ was established in 1998. The jail facility serves multiple communities, including these Virginia cities: Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, and Portsmouth. The Hampton Roads Regional Jail Authority governs and manages the facility’s operations, which includes the sheriffs, city managers, and city council members for each area covered.

The facility houses both male and female prisoners from the above jurisdictions. Inmates are held during their pre-trial phase, sentencing, and also special circumstance situations. There has been an outbreak of COVID among inmates and staff, but the facility is working hard to keep it minimized. At this time, there are currently eight inmates testing positive and four staff members. Due to the length of the outbreak, 30 staff members have already recovered from the virus.

COVID Takes Another Life

The pandemic viral epidemic COVID19 has taken yet another life. Master Jail Officer Robert Charles Sunukjian leaves behind his wife and both of his parents. His many friends, neighbors, coworkers, and family members will share in their grief. The community has come together to celebrate his life and support his family through these difficult times.

The Superintendent of the Hampton Roads Regional Jail briefly shared his loss and condolences for Sunukjian’s family. “Over his career, he has worked various assignments throughout the facility. We are grateful for his years of service, and he will be sorely missed. We send our heartfelt condolences to his family during this difficult time.”

Our favorite young hero, Zecchariah Cartledge, has honored Master Jail Officer Robert Sunukjian and his family by sponsoring a mile run to raise money for his police charity. The money raised goes to support families of fallen first responders all across the United States.

HHRJ’s Chris Walz shared this brief statement regarding the loss of a fellow officer. “Over his career, he has worked various assignments throughout the facility. We are grateful for his years of service, and he will be sorely missed. We send our heartfelt condolences to his family during this difficult time.”