William Chapman
William Chapman, known as Billy to his family and friends, died in July 2019 while held at Florida State Prison in Raiford, at age 32. His sister said he had warned her and prison officials that his life was in danger. According to the State Attorney for Florida's 8th Judicial Circuit, two other people held at the prison stabbed him many times and strangled him in a day room, blocking the door to keep corrections officers from intervening. Two people were indicted in November 2019, and the prosecutor said he would likely seek the death penalty; the case is pending, and the motive has not been discussed. The Florida Department of Corrections lists the manner of death as pending the medical examiner's finding.
Cause of death, as reported: Killed by another person in custody. The state attorney says two fellow inmates stabbed and strangled him in a day room while corrections officers were blocked from intervening, and two inmates were later indicted for his murder.
Reported by: William Cervone, state attorney for Florida's 8th Judicial Circuit.