Aide to Sen. Jim Webb found dead in Botetourt Co.

WSLS News Staff
Published: July 29, 2008

Deputies find an aide to Senator Jim Webb dead near his car this morning.

The Botetourt County Sheriff’s Office says Fred Hutchins Jr. was found shot to death on Route 220, north of Fincastle, shortly after 7:00 a.m.  The car was parked on the southbound shoulder of the road.  Investigators found Hutchins’ body outside the car, on a small hill beside the road.  He had been shot in the head, and a gun was found underneath his body.

Sheriff Ronnie Sprinkle says the Medical Examiner’s Office will determine the official cause of death.  Sheriff Sprinkle believes the death happened between 4:30 a.m. and 7:08 a.m., between when one officer passed the scene and no car was there, and when the officer who found the body stopped.

Senator Jim Webb issued this statement:

“I am terribly saddened by the tragic and sudden death of Fred Hutchins, who diligently managed our Roanoke Senate office. Freddie was one of the most honorable and friendly individuals I have had the pleasure of knowing. He was a mainstay in the Roanoke community and a friend to all who knew him. My condolences go out to his mother, Karen, and the rest of his family and friends. He will be greatly missed.”