KOKOMO, IN — Authorities are investigating the death of 29-year-old Phillip DeAngelo White, an inmate at the Howard County Jail, who was found unresponsive in his cell on the evening of October 31, 2025.
According to the Howard County Sheriff’s Office, correctional officers were alerted by another inmate around 5:50 p.m. and immediately began life-saving efforts alongside jail medical staff. Paramedics from Ascension St. Vincent Kokomo Hospital and members of the Kokomo Fire Department responded within minutes, but despite their combined efforts, Mr. White was pronounced dead at approximately 5:48 p.m.
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An autopsy conducted on November 3 by the Howard County Coroner’s Office determined the preliminary cause of death to be asphyxia due to hanging, ruling the manner of death as suicide. The Indiana State Police are assisting with the ongoing investigation.
Authorities say no evidence of foul play has been discovered at this stage. However, the case remains under active review by both the state police and the coroner’s office.
Mr. White’s death has sparked broader discussion about mental health and inmate safety within correctional facilities. The Howard County Jail, which houses several hundred detainees, has long faced the challenges of balancing security, supervision, and mental health support in a high-pressure environment. Officials state that existing procedures were followed, but the incident is expected to prompt renewed scrutiny of jail monitoring and response protocols for at-risk inmates.
“Any loss of life in custody is deeply concerning,” a spokesperson for the Sheriff’s Office said. “We are cooperating fully with investigators to ensure transparency and accountability.”
Mr. White’s family, who have been notified, are now grappling with the sudden tragedy. Community advocates are calling for a thorough and transparent review to ensure that lessons are learned and future incidents prevented.
Anyone with information related to the case is encouraged to contact Detective Josh Maller of the Indiana State Police at (765) 473-6666 or the Howard County Coroner’s Office at (765) 456-1186.
As the investigation continues, the incident serves as a somber reminder of the mental health vulnerabilities faced by individuals behind bars — and the importance of consistent vigilance, compassionate care, and timely intervention in correctional settings.