Female inmate attempts suicide in Beltrami County Detention later dies

On Thursday, August 31, 2017, Beltrami County Chief Deputy Ernie Beitel, during a phone interview with Bemidji Pioneer reporter Grace Pastoor, passed on misinformation to Pastoor regarding the attempted suicide of an individual detained in Beltrami County Detention Center, Stephanie R. Bunker. The attempted suicide by Bunker, days later, resulted in her succumbing to complications associated with her suicide attempt.

On June 25, 2017, Stephanie R. Bunker was arrested by the Bemidji Police Department for probably cause DUI (Driving under the Influence) and was booked into the Beltrami County Detention Center. On June 26, 2017, additional criminal charges against Bunker were filed to include Felony theft.

On July 2, 2017, the date of Stephanie bunker's suicide attempt, she was not on special watch status as previously reported by Chief Deputy Beitel in the earlier release to Pioneer Report Grace Pastoor. This information was inaccurate and did not pertain to the Stephanie Bunker incident. At the time of her suicide attempt, Stephanie Bunker was being housed in general housing for female inmates and was not on special watch.

During late afternoon of July 2, 2017, Beltrami County Corrections staff began to pass the evening meal to the inmates in the block where Bunker was housed. When Bunker did not come from her cell to accept the evening meal the Corrections Officer went into the cell and found Bunker with a bed sheet wrapped around her neck.

Emergency procedures that are place for suicide and attempted suicide by an inmate were immediately activated to include full life saving measures by Corrections Staff and in Facility Medical Staff.

Outside EMS services immediately responded and aided with providing continued Emergency Medical Care. Bunker was transported from the Beltrami County Detention Center by ambulance to Sanford Emergency Department.

Medical information regarding Stephanie Bunker is considered private data and the Beltrami County Sheriff's Office is and was not entitled to any further information regarding her medical status but it was known that Bunker was transferred to a Fargo, ND hospital for continued care.

The attempted suicide was investigated by the Bemidji Police Department and The Minnesota Department of Corrections. An internal review by Beltrami County Investigators and administrative staff was also conducted.

On July 10, 2017, the Beltrami County Sheriff's learned that Ms. Stephanie R. Bunker had passed away at the Fargo Hospital. An autopsy conducted by the Ramsey County Medical Examiner's Office on July 12, 2017, indicated the cause of death was a result of complications to asphyxia.

The Beltrami County Sheriff's Office has extended its heartfelt sympathy to the friends and family of Ms. Stephanie R. Bunker.

Respectfully submitted:

Ernie Beitel

Chief Deputy Sheriff

ernie.beitel@co.beltrami.mn.us

September 1, 2017