A man awaiting a probation revocation hearing in Montgomery County court has died while incarcerated at the Western Virginia Regional Jail.
“On the morning of Oct. 22, 2025, inmate Robert Wayne Sheppard, Jr. (white male, age 51), was found unresponsive in his cell at the Western Virginia Regional Jail,” the jail announced. “An emergency response was initiated including CPR performed by correctional and medical personnel. Roanoke County Fire EMS responded and took over lifesaving measures. Sheppard was pronounced deceased at 11:47 a.m.
According to WVRJ, the Roanoke County Police Department is investigating the incident and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Roanoke will perform an autopsy. “Preliminary findings indicate Sheppard died of natural causes,” WVRJ stated. “Sheppard was committed to WVRJ on Oct. 3, 2025 and was awaiting a revocation hearing in Montgomery County for two probation violations. He was being held without bond.
Staff report
