Name Released in Suicide Investigation at Missoula County Jail

UPDATE 3/18: Although an investigation is still underway, the Missoula County Sheriff's Department has released the name of the individual who apparently committed suicide while in custody late last week.

Danny Wayne Johnston, born September 17, 1955, is the deceased. Johnston was being held for a probation violation as well as for sexual intercourse without consent.

Original story: During routine cell checks at 5:30 this morning, March 14, detention officers at the Missoula county detention center found an unresponsive inmate.

"It was apparent that he ended his own life, he was the only inmate in that cell," says Missoula county Sheriff's department spokesman Jason Johnson. "Our detention officers responded as quickly as they could for something like that, did CPR right away after which The inmate was transported to the hospital where he was pronounced dead."

Jason Johnson:

The death is considered an in-custody death, and will require an investigation from outside agencies. The Ravalli county sheriff's department and the Missoula police department will conduct the investigation and will likely have a report by the end of the weekend.

According to Johnson, the suicide method is one "that is often used in detention centers." More information on the specifics, including the name of the deceased will be released after the investigation is finished.