Montana DCI to investigate inmate's death at Lewis and Clark County Detention Center

The Montana Division of Criminal Investigation is being brought in to investigate the death of an inmate Saturday evening at the Lewis and Clark County Detention Center that officials are treating as a potential suicide.

Cascade County Sheriff and Coroner Jesse Slaughter will determine the unidentified inmate’s cause and manner of death, while the DCI will conduct an independent investigation into the death, according to Lewis and Clark County Sheriff Leo Dutton.

According to Dutton, a detention officer was doing cell checks on March 28 around 7:30 p.m. when he noticed the male inmate sitting upright against the door of his cell. When the detention officer called out to the man for a response, he did not receive one.

Dutton said officers hastily entered the cell and found the inmate had used a bed sheet as “a tool to end his own life.” Officers performed CPR and used a defibrillator in attempts to save the man’s life but were unsuccessful.

St. Peter’s Ambulance and Helena Fire crews were also unable to revive the man, Dutton said Tuesday afternoon.

Because the inmate was housed in the detention center, his death is considered an “in-custody” death, meaning a coroner’s inquest will be conducted. County Attorney Kevin Downs and Slaughter will perform the inquest, Dutton said, and Slaughter will release the inmate’s name when their next of kin is notified.