SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) — The Minnehaha County jail inmate who hanged himself was not on suicide watch.
At today’s Sioux Falls Police briefing jail official said Trevor Walter, the deceased, was in the general population and that jailers checked on him every 30 minutes. Warden Mike Mattson says staff checks inmates on suicide watch every fifteen minutes.
Walters was arrested on four counts of child pornography Friday. He attempted suicide Sunday and died yesterday.
As well as being a tragedy for Walters, Mattson says it is also a tragedy for others.
“Situations like this, not only are they hard on the family members, but it’s also hard on our staff because they’re the ones that are responding to it,” Mattson said. “It’s a difficult situation.”
When inmates are on suicide watch, Mattson says they get non-tearable sheets, blankets, and bedding. He also said incoming detainees are checked three times for signs of suicide before they are housed in the jail: Once by the arresting officer, next by the booking staff, and lastly by the medical staff.
The South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation says there is no evidence of criminal activity in Walter’s death.
Below is a release from the Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office.
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On Sunday January 26th at approximately 1150, Minnehaha County Inmate Travis Dean Walter was found hanging in his cell during a routine cell check. Jail staff and Jail Medical staff responded and rendered aid. An emergency response was initiated and Walter was transported to a local hospital for continuing care.
On Tuesday January 28th, Travis Walter died.
Walter was housed in the Minnehaha County Jail for Child Pornography charges.
An investigation has been conducted. This investigation did not reveal any criminal activity.
