Accused murderer Brian Mitchell’s death ruled a suicide

After an investigation of the case, the Tri-County investigation team has determined that Brian J. Mitchell took his own life while in his cell at the Bonneville County Jail.

According to the report released by the Bonneville County Sheriff’s office and the Office of the Prosecuting attorney today, a Bonneville County Jail Deputy found Mitchell in his cell after he had apparently hung himself using jail issued sheets at around 1:55 a.m. December 5th. Deputies called for help, then entered the cell and relieved the pressure from Mr. Mitchell’s neck. Deputies began performing CPR and other life saving measures from that time until an EMT crew arrived at 2:18 a.m. After approximately five minutes of life saving measures by EMT personnel, Mr. Mitchell was pronounced dead.

Preliminary autopsy findings indicate the cause of death as mechanical asphyxia by ligaturestrangulation, but a full autopsy has not been released yet.

A review of the jail video records found that Mitchell was checked at 1 a.m. and again 30 minutes later. During each of those checks Mitchell was reported to be awake and reading but did not give any indication that he was suicidal at the time.

There appears to been efforts made by Mitchell to be alone in his cell given minor problems with other inmates as reported.

Prosecuting Attorney Daniel R. Clark also noted in the report that a review of Mitchell’s phone calls did not indicate any suicidal indications Mitchell over the past several months.

Mitchell was found slumped down with the ligature rope around his neck. It appears that he could have aborted the suicide as his body was in such a position as to be able to stand from the position that he put himself in.

“At this time I do not see any level of culpability by any deputy or inmate at the Bonneville CountyJail,” Clark said in the release.

Mitchell was facing charges of second degree murder, after he allegedly stabbed Deraek Patrick Larson to death on August 16th.