Inmate Homicide Suspected At MN State Prison

LINO LAKES, MN — The Minnesota Department of Corrections (DOC) is investigating a suspected homicide at the state prison in Lino Lakes.

DOC spokesperson Andy Skoogman said a 63-year-old man — who was serving a 19.5-year sentence at Minnesota Corrections Facility-Lino Lakes — was found unresponsive in his cell around 10:30 a.m. on Thursday.

DOC medical staff and outside emergency medical personnel attempted lifesaving efforts, but the man was pronounced dead about an hour later.

A 42-year-old man, who is serving a life sentence at the Lino Lakes facility, is the lone suspect in the suspected homicide, according to Skoogman. He has since been placed into administrative segregation.

The prison was placed on a modified lockdown after the incident, with the inmates restricted to their living units.

The Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office will conduct an autopsy to determine the manner and cause of death. The identity of the victim will be released after the man's family is notified.