The St. Joseph County Police Department has requested the Indiana State Police investigate the death of an inmate who was found unresponsive inside the St. Joseph County Jail.
According to preliminary information, jail staff discovered 34-year-old Dustin Pate unresponsive in his cell at approximately 12:35 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 30, during routine cell checks. Staff immediately began life-saving measures until South Bend emergency medical personnel arrived. Pate was pronounced dead at the jail.
Authorities say no foul play is suspected at this time.
An autopsy is scheduled for Sunday, February 1, 2026, at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The results will determine the official cause and manner of death.
