FINCASTLE, Va. – A local golf pro was found dead in his jail cell on Tuesday, Botetourt County Sheriff’s Office said.
BCSP said a correctional deputy found an unresponsive inmate during a routine security check at the Botetourt-Craig Regional Jail around 10:57 a.m. on Tuesday. Authorities attempted life-saving measures, but ultimately, the inmate was pronounced dead at the scene.
The inmate was identified as 57-year-old Richard Sprinkel, the former Head Golf Professional at Botetourt Golf and Swim Club. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Roanoke will conduct an autopsy to determine the cause of death.
Sprinkel was being held at the jail for the following:
- violation of a protective order
- domestic assault
- possession of a firearm while subject to a protective order.
This is a developing situation. We will update you with more information as it becomes available.
“As part of our standard procedures, deputies conduct routine checks of all inmates twice per hour to ensure their safety and well-being. An investigation into the incident is being conducted. No foul play is suspected, and Sprinkel was being held in the intake unit, pending classification. No other inmates were housed in the secure cell at the time of the incident. The entire event was captured on the facility’s video surveillance system and is being reviewed as part of the ongoing investigation. As is our standard practice, the Virginia State Police and the Commonwealth’s Attorney have been asked to conduct an independent review of the investigation.”
Botetourt County Sheriff's Office