Phillip DeAngelo White; Inquiry Launched Into Inmate Passing at Howard County Jail Following Suspected Suicide

KOKOMO, IN — Investigators are looking into the circumstances surrounding the death of 29-year-old Phillip DeAngelo White, who was an inmate at the Howard County Jail. He was discovered unresponsive in his cell on the night of October 31, 2025.

The Howard County Sheriff’s Office reported that another inmate alerted correctional officers at around 5:50 p.m., prompting immediate life-saving measures to be initiated by both the officers and medical personnel at the jail. Emergency responders from Ascension St. Vincent Kokomo Hospital and the Kokomo Fire Department arrived shortly thereafter, but despite their efforts, Mr. White was declared dead at about 5:48 p.m.

An autopsy performed on November 3 by the Howard County Coroner’s Office indicated that the initial cause of death was asphyxia resulting from hanging, and it classified the manner of death as suicide. The Indiana State Police are providing assistance in the ongoing investigation.

Currently, no signs of foul play have been found by the authorities. Nevertheless, the case is still being actively examined by both the state police and the coroner’s office.

The passing of Mr. White has led to wider conversations regarding mental health and the safety of inmates in correctional facilities. The Howard County Jail, which accommodates several hundred detainees, has consistently struggled with the task of maintaining security, oversight, and mental health assistance in a demanding atmosphere. Officials indicate that standard protocols were adhered to, yet the event is likely to lead to increased examination of the monitoring and response approaches for vulnerable inmates.

“A loss of life while in custody is always troubling,” a representative from the Sheriff’s Office remarked. “We are fully collaborating with the investigators to guarantee transparency and responsibility.”

The family of Mr. White has been informed and is now dealing with the shock of this unexpected loss. Advocates within the community are urging for a comprehensive and open investigation to ensure that insights are gained and that similar occurrences are avoided in the future.

Individuals who have relevant information regarding the case are invited to reach out to Detective Josh Maller of the Indiana State Police at (765) 473- or contact the Howard County Coroner’s Office at (765) 456-1186.

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As the inquiry progresses, this incident highlights the mental health challenges encountered by individuals in incarceration and underscores the necessity for ongoing vigilance, empathetic care, and prompt intervention within correctional environments.