MUSKEGON, Mich. – Dahnontae McKinley was found unresponsive in his jail cell on Saturday afternoon, and was later pronounced dead at Hackley Hospital.
According to Sheriff Dean Roesler, video recordings show that, at around 3:07PM on Saturday, McKinley had physically pushed past a guard to escape his cell. Video also shows he was being escorted back to his cell by several deputies.
Once returned to his cell, McKinley once again tried to forcibly escape from his cell, and physically resisted the deputies. A fight broke out, and pepper spray was used in an attempt to subdue the inmate, but it had no effect on him. Two guards were injured, both of whom were treated and released.
Ultimately, deputies were successful in getting control over the situation, and McKinley was placed in a restraint chair within his cell. On a routine check at 3:30PM — 13 minutes after the incident began — McKinley was round unresponsive in his cell. CPR was attempted, and he was transported to Hackley Hospital, where efforts to revive him were not successful.
McKinley had been an inmate since December 14, 2012, and was incarcerated on pending charges of robbery. He also had pending charges of domestic violence and solicitation of prostitution. McKinley has a history of multiple convictions of domestic violence, aggravated assault, and a felony drug charge.
Michigan State Police is now handling the investigation. Autopsy results are forthcoming.
