The man who died at Minnesota Correctional Facility-Stillwater on Saturday, June 15, 2024, has been identified as 22-year-old Dalmario Smith.

Mr. Smith was found unresponsive in his cell at MCF-Stillwater last Saturday at approximately 3:30 a.m. Despite corrections staff immediately initiating life-saving efforts, Smith was pronounced dead at 3:53 a.m.

The Ramsey County Medical Examiner’s Office has completed an autopsy.

The DOC’s Office of Special Investigations is continuing its investigation into the circumstances related Mr. Smith’s death. While the preliminary investigation does not indicate foul play, investigators are looking into possible ingestion of suspected synthetic drugs based upon evidence located in Mr. Smith’s cell.

Minnesota, and prison systems across the nation, are experiencing challenges related to the introduction of synthetic controlled substances, frequently infused into paper that enters facilities through the mail. MCF-Stillwater recently began photocopying all incoming mail except for legal mail due to attorney-client privilege.