Howard County Jail Inmate Phillip DeAngelo White Dies by Apparent Suicide on Halloween
HOWARD COUNTY, INDIANA — The Indiana State Police are investigating the tragic death of 29-year-old Phillip DeAngelo White, who was found unresponsive in his jail cell at the Howard County Jail on the evening of October 31, 2025. Authorities have confirmed that life-saving efforts were unsuccessful, and White was pronounced dead at the scene shortly thereafter. The Howard County Coroner’s Office later ruled the death a suicide, citing asphyxia due to hanging as the official cause.
Discovery and Emergency Response
According to initial reports, the incident was discovered by another inmate, who alerted correctional staff after noticing something was wrong inside White’s cell. Responding officers and medical personnel immediately attempted life-saving measures, including CPR and emergency resuscitation efforts. Despite their rapid response, White was unresponsive and could not be revived.
The incident took place during regular evening hours at the facility, when staff conduct routine welfare checks and lockdown procedures. Jail administrators have since stated that all emergency protocols were followed once the distress call was made. However, the sequence of events leading up to White’s death—including the timing of previous checks and his interactions with staff and inmates earlier in the day—remains under active investigation.
Coroner’s Findings and Cause of Death
Following the discovery, the Howard County Coroner’s Office conducted a full autopsy. The results, released publicly on November 1, 2025, confirmed that Phillip DeAngelo White died from asphyxia caused by hanging. Toxicology tests are pending, as is standard procedure in in-custody deaths. The coroner officially ruled the manner of death as suicide.
Authorities have not indicated any signs of foul play at this stage. However, investigators from the Indiana State Police have been assigned to review surveillance footage, officer logs, and jail communication records to ensure all policies were properly followed and to determine whether there were any warning signs or lapses in supervision that could have prevented the tragedy.
Background on the Victim
Phillip DeAngelo White, 29, was a resident of Kokomo, Indiana, and had been in custody at the Howard County Jail awaiting further legal proceedings related to non-violent offenses. Friends and family described him as a quiet, reflective individual who had struggled in recent years but was hopeful for a new start once his legal matters were resolved.
Loved ones say White had maintained contact with family members and was reportedly in good spirits just days before his passing. His death came as a devastating shock to relatives, who are now demanding transparency from jail officials about the events that occurred inside his cell that evening.
Investigation and Accountability
The Indiana State Police, working in coordination with the Howard County Sheriff’s Office, are leading the investigation. They will review all aspects of the incident—including whether White had been placed on suicide watch, whether mental health evaluations were performed, and if the jail’s standard monitoring policies were properly implemented.
Howard County officials released a brief statement expressing condolences to White’s family and promising full cooperation with state investigators:
“We extend our deepest sympathies to the family of Mr. White during this difficult time. The safety and wellbeing of all individuals in our custody remain our highest priority. We will continue to cooperate fully with the Indiana State Police investigation.”
Broader Concerns
This incident has renewed attention on the mental health crisis in correctional facilities across Indiana. Advocates are calling for stronger mental health screening, more frequent cell checks, and better access to counseling for inmates showing signs of distress. Statistics from the U.S. Department of Justice indicate that suicide remains the leading cause of death among local jail inmates nationwide.
Community members and advocacy groups have expressed concern about the frequency of in-custody deaths in recent years, emphasizing the need for improved support systems for inmates facing mental health challenges.
Remembering Phillip
Phillip DeAngelo White’s family and friends are remembering him as a young man who, despite his struggles, had a kind heart and a deep love for his family. A small memorial gathering is being planned in Kokomo to celebrate his life and raise awareness about suicide prevention within correctional settings.
As the investigation continues, the Howard County community waits for answers — hoping that the findings will not only bring clarity to Phillip’s death but also lead to changes that prevent similar tragedies in the future.