The Minnesota Department of Corrections is investigating a suspected homicide at the Lino Lakes prison Thursday morning.
A 63-year-old man serving a 19.5-year sentence was found unresponsive in his cell around 10:30 a.m., the DOC said. Medical staff attempted to save him, but he was pronounced dead around 11:30 a.m.
A 42-year-old man serving a life sentence at the prison is the lone suspect and has been placed in “administrative segregation.”
The prison has been placed on “modified lockdown status,” meaning inmates cannot leave their living units.
DOC did not release the names of the individuals involved.
The Stillwater prison was placed on lockdown last month after a group of inmates refused to return to their cells in protest of a modified cell release schedule and the quality of drinking water. The Minnesota Department of Health released an analysis that found “no health concerns” in the prison’s water but did recommend steps to remedy “discolored water.”
A union representing corrections officers and staff previously raised concerns about staff assaults and “chronic understaffing.”
