Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
We're working to fix a technical issue causing problems with our broadcasts. We'll have it resolved as soon as possible. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Flathead County Jail Death Prompts State Investigation

Police car.
(PD)

The death of an inmate at Flathead County jail has prompted a state investigation.

Iberica Paulino was found dead in her cell Thursday morning during a security round in Kalispell.

Flathead County Sheriff Chuck Curry says those security rounds happen every 30 minutes.

"They did find that she was not breathing. They requested EMS, of course started CPR and attempts to resuscitate her were not successful unfortunately," Curry says.

The 29-year-old was being held on charges of criminal possession of dangerous drugs, criminal contempt and criminal trespass.

The state Criminal Investigation Bureau and the Sanders County coroner are looking into the death.

Sheriff Chuck Curry says there wasn’t sign of anything strange causing Paulino’s death, but the cause of her death is still speculation.

An autopsy is planned at the state crime lab in Missoula.

Corin Cates-Carney manages MTPR’s daily and long-term news projects. After spending more than five years living and reporting across Western and Central Montana, he became news director in early 2020.
Become a sustaining member for as low as $5/month
Make an annual or one-time donation to support MTPR
Pay an existing pledge or update your payment information