Man apparently hangs self at county jail
Richard Kempf
Exterior of Washington County Correctional Facility
Washington police are continuing their investigation into the death of 31-year-old Richard Kempf of Washington, who apparently hanged himself in Washington County jail Monday night.
County Commission Chairman Larry Maggi, who also chairs the Washington County Prison Board, called the death a suicide. Washington County Coroner Tim Warco said the cause and manner of death are pending an autopsy.
Kempf was locked in his cell and last spoke to a correctional officer at 5:35 p.m. He was found unresponsive at 7:39 p.m. and CPR was initiated. He was not on suicide watch, Maggi said.
Maggi said Kempf hanged himself using a bedsheet. Suicides at the jail are uncommon, and processes are in place to prevent them, he said.
An internal investigation is under way, he said. Washington police and Warco also are investigating.
Washington County jail Warden John Temas said surveillance cameras are situated throughout the jail, but are only in specific cells. Temas declined additional comment.
Washington police Chief Chris Luppino confirmed the incident was a hanging. He declined additional comment, citing the ongoing investigation.
Kempf, of 350 Duncan Ave., and his mother, Brenda Kempf, 51, were arrested Jan. 6 in connection with a burglary at their neighbor’s apartment. Richard Kempf was awaiting trial on charges of burglary, theft and receiving stolen property over accusations he stole a guitar and tools from two men, court records state. His mother is still awaiting her preliminary hearing on charges of receiving stolen property and possession of drug paraphernalia. She is free on $25,000 unsecured bond.