JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - Authorities are investigating a homicide involving inmates at the Jefferson City Correctional Center.
The Cole County sheriff’s office said Monday that 65-year-old Daniel Skipper was killed Sunday in his prison cell. Skipper had been in custody since 2001 for statutory rape and sodomy convictions in Lawrence County.
The sheriff’s office identified the suspect in Skipper’s slaying as his cellmate - 23-year-old Ryan Vaught, who was serving sentences for armed criminal action and assault from Mercer County. He has been placed in a segregated unit.
The sheriff’s office said inmates in a neighboring cell reported hearing a violent disturbance. The sheriff’s office says Skipper was found with multiple wounds to his face and scalp and a piece of fabric wrapped around his neck.
An autopsy is planned for Tuesday.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.