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Kent County Jail inmate dies in custody; thought to be suicide

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Niyomugabo mugshotGRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Deputies report an inmate at the Kent County Jail died after being found with a bed sheet wrapped around his neck.

Djibril Niyomugabo, 18, was found alone in his cell unresponsive shortly before 1:30 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 11. His death is still under investigation, but investigators believe it was a suicide.

Kent County deputies said he was resuscitated after being found. He was taken to a hospital with a faint pulse, but later died Wednesday, Jan. 13 from what authorities believe to be injuries resulting from self-asphyxiation.

Surveillance videos are being reviewed to ensure policy was followed. Kent County Undersheriff Michelle Young said cell block checks are intermittent and occur at least once every 40 minutes.

Young said it appeared in this case the block check policy was followed.

Niyomugabo was being held on charges of larceny less than $200 and malicious destruction of property more than $200 but less than $1,000.