A 22-year-old inmate at the Stearns County jail was found dead Sunday, apparently after hanging himself with his T-shirt, according to Sheriff John Sanner.
Jerod Jakel of Sauk Rapids, who was being held on charges of first degree assault, second degree assault and possession of a firearm, was unresponsive when jail staff found him about 5:45 p.m., Sanner said Tuesday. The staff and an ambulance crew were unable to revive him.
An autopsy by the Ramsey County medical examiner determined the cause of death was asphyxia due to hanging.
The Stearns County sheriff is investigating the death.
Mary Lynn Smith
