Spring Hill, Florida – An inmate at the Hernando County jail is now facing a murder charge after a violent attack on another inmate that was captured on the facility’s security cameras, announced Sheriff Al Nienhuis on Tuesday.
The incident occurred last Friday when William Gillespie, while walking through the medical housing unit, was caught on camera kicking another inmate, Jory Van Antwerp, multiple times in the head. Van Antwerp, who was already being treated for a serious health condition, initially did not show signs of serious injuries. However, as the day progressed, his condition worsened, leading to a diagnosis of a brain bleed. Tragically, Van Antwerp passed away a few hours later.
Sheriff Nienhuis described the attack as “totally unexpected and unprovoked,” noting that there was no apparent reason for Gillespie’s actions. Despite Gillespie’s claims that the victim had been using offensive language, other inmates in the unit stated that there was no interaction between the two.
Gillespie, who had a history of violent altercations with other inmates, was in jail for a battery charge and is now facing a second-degree murder charge. Despite having multiple previous felony arrests and convictions, he was not classified as a violent felon requiring separation from other inmates.
Van Antwerp, on the other hand, was incarcerated for alleged sexual assault of a minor between the ages of 12 and 18. Sheriff Nienhuis emphasized that Gillespie likely did not know about the allegations against Van Antwerp, suggesting that the attack was a crime of opportunity rather than premeditated.
The tragic incident has raised questions about safety and security measures within the jail, highlighting the challenges faced by law enforcement in managing inmate populations. As the investigation into the murder charge continues, authorities will be looking into ways to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by both inmates and staff in correctional facilities, underscoring the need for robust safety protocols and measures to protect individuals in custody. As the community grapples with the aftermath of this senseless tragedy, the focus remains on seeking justice for the victim and ensuring accountability for the perpetrator.