In Custody Death At Beltrami County Jail

At approximately 6:50 AM an inmate at the Beltrami County jail was found unresponsive in his cell by other cell mates who alerted jail staff. Immediate lifesaving efforts were initiated and Fire and EMS personnel were summoned to the jail but the inmate was pronounced dead at the scene. The inmate was identified as Tony Edward May, 26, of Red Lake.

The sheriff’s office requested an outside agency to conduct the death investigation and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension has taken the lead on this case. The autopsy has been referred by the Beltrami County Coroner’s office to the Ramsey County Medical Examiner’s Office for a forensic examination.

The Bemidji City Police, Bemidji Fire and Bemidji Ambulance Service assisted with this investigation.

No additional details can be released at this point as this is an active investigation.

The Sheriff’s Office, Jail Staff and Beltrami County officials extend sincere condolences to the family and friends of Tony May.

Any further press releases will come from the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.