Investigation Underway After Inmate Dies in Laramie County Jail

An investigation is underway after an inmate died while in custody at the Laramie County Detention Center late Saturday.

According to a booking sheet, police arrested 47-year-old Cheyenne resident Patricia Kay Michaelis at the Walmart at 2032 Dell Range Blvd. at 9:23 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 23, on a misdemeanor shoplifting charge.

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Uncooperative

"Patricia was brought to us uncooperative," Sheriff's spokesman Brandon Warner said in a news release late Tuesday morning.

"She refused to answer questions, but followed basic directions given by jail staff," Warner added. "Medical staff conducted an initial medical assessment where Patricia showed no indicators of needing medical clearance from the hospital before being housed."

Warner says Michaelis was searched and put in a holding cell in booking.

Unresponsive

"Later, during routine checks, staff discovered that Patricia was unresponsive," said Warner. "Deputies and medical personnel immediately provided medical assistance, including CPR, in attempts to resuscitate Patricia."

"We’re saddened to report that at 11:15 p.m., Patricia was pronounced deceased by Cheyenne Fire and Rescue after she failed to respond to lifesaving measures," Warner added.

Warner says the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation has been requested to conduct an independent investigation.

"Cause of death is unknown at this time," he said. "Once their review is complete, the findings will be shared with Sheriff Kozak (and we) will then provide additional information."