DOC investigating inmate death at Rush City prison as possible homicide

The Minnesota Department of Corrections is investigating an inmate death at the Rush City prison as a possible homicide.

According to information from the DOC, correctional officers responded to a call of a person down in a cell just before 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 9. 

When officers arrived, they found an unresponsive man with obvious injuries, and they began life-saving measures.

The release states that despite the efforts of DOC staff and local emergency medical services personnel, the man was pronounced dead at the scene.   

Preliminary information suggests that an altercation occurred between the victim and his cellmate. Investigators are focusing on the circumstances leading up to the incident.

An autopsy will be performed by the Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office to determine the manner and cause of death. 

The investigation is being conducted by the DOC's Office of Special Investigations, Chisago County Sheriff's Office, and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.

The victim's identity is being withheld pending full notification of next of kin.