SPRING HILL, Fla. — An inmate at the Hernando County jail has been charged with murder after a violent altercation involving another inmate was captured on the institution’s security system, officials announced Tuesday.
Sheriff Al Nienhuis detailed the incident, noting that the accused, William Gillespie, was observed on camera assaulting Jory Van Antwerp inside the medical housing unit last Friday. Gillespie, who was initially incarcerated on a battery charge, was seen kicking Van Antwerp in the head multiple times.
Van Antwerp, who had been receiving medical attention for a serious health condition prior to the attack, initially showed no severe signs of trauma. However, his condition deteriorated rapidly over the course of the day. He was eventually transferred to a hospital where he succumbed to a brain bleed hours later.
The sheriff described the assault as sudden and unprovoked, highlighting its grave unexpectedness. “It appears there wasn’t any provocation; our victim was not involved in any noticeable conflict that might have sparked such an aggression,” Nienhuis stated in a briefing. He added that their investigation indicated that Van Antwerp had been largely inactive, verbally and physically, disputing any claims of provocation.
Authorities further explained that despite Gillespie’s criminal history, including 11 prior felony arrests with five convictions, he hadn’t been classified as a violent felon necessitating segregation from the general inmate population.
At the time of his death, Van Antwerp was facing charges of alleged sexual assault involving a minor between the ages of 12 and 18. It is believed, however, that Gillespie was unaware of the nature of Van Antwerp’s charges at the time of the attack. “Based on what we’ve gathered, it was likely a spur-of-the-moment act. He simply reacted to whoever was closest to him when he stepped out,” Nienhuis elaborated.
The incident has prompted a review of inmate classification procedures and surveillance measures within the facility, with the sheriff indicating forthcoming adjustments aimed at enhancing overall safety and preventing future occurrences.
Local community reaction has been one of shock and concern, as residents grapple with the realities of violence within the correctional system. Community leaders have called for increased mental health resources and better security protocols to address the underlying issues contributing to such incidents.
As the legal process unfolds, the charges against Gillespie elevate the seriousness of his legal predicaments, transforming his detention landscape significantly while the community and the victim’s family seek justice for Van Antwerp.