By Shay Lelonek / News Director

ST. CLOUD, Minn. — The MN Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is investigating a death that took place in the Stearns County Jail early morning on Saturday, September 12.

Around 3:50 a.m., jail staff were conducting well-being checks on inmates when they found 34-year-old Isaiah Ero-Phillips, of St. Cloud, unresponsive in his cell due to a medical emergency.

Correctional officers began life-saving measures. When Mayo Ambulance and St. Cloud Fire/Rescue arrived, they took over the process.

Despite efforts, Ero-Phillips was later pronounced dead by Mayo Ambulance staff. He was taken to the Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office for autopsy.

According to the Stearns County Sheriff’s Office, Ero-Phillips was “heavily intoxicated” when he was brought into custody for felony domestic assault around 9 a.m. on Friday, September 11.

Court records show Ero-Phillips was convicted in 2023 of a gross misdemeanor for domestic assault subsequent violation. In 2016, he was convicted of a misdemeanor for terroristic threats with reckless disregard for risk.

A GoFundMe has been set up to help pay for Ero-Phillips’ funeral arrangements, memorial services, and family support.