NORFOLK -- Acting Police Chief Sharon Chamberlin is now the focus of another investigation into the death of police recruit John Kohn.
This time, City Manager Marcus Jones is probing whether Chamberlin concealed any details when briefing then-chief Bruce Marquis about events leading up to Kohn's death in December.
Marquis retired under pressure after initially failing to mention Kohn received head punches during training just before blacking out.
Wednesday night, City Councilwoman Angelia Williams asked Jones for the new inquiry after she said she was approached by several people in the police department who said Chamberlin, then an assistant chief, failed to give Marquis key details about Kohn's death.
This week, The Virginian-Pilot also revealed an e-mail sent by Chamberlin to Marquis in December mentioning Kohn was struck by an instructor without any mention of where he was hit.
Williams said she suspects Marquis 'was thrown under the bus.'
'We need to find out what happened and who knew what when and who is responsible,' Williams said. 'I think that's our obligation not only to the Kohn family but to the public.'
What's unclear is whether Chamberlin ever talked to Marquis about the head punches, or sent other correspondence not yet public.
Chamberlin, a candidate to become chief permanently, has never answered questions to the press about her communication with Marquis about Kohn.
She again declined an interview request from 13News and provided this statement instead:
'As we have consistently said, we are moving forward as a police department. We will be facing tremendous challenges as we work to prepare the upcoming budget. My focus at this point must be on ensuring those who work and live in the City of Norfolk continue to receive the professional and timely service they have come to expect.'
She may not be talking to the media but she's apparently talking to Jones.
'She's doing the appropriate conversations with the city manager and being part of the fact finding and gathering of the facts,' city spokesman Bob Batcher said.
Jones plans to brief City Council on Chamberlin's knowledge of the Kohn case next Tuesday, Batcher said.
