Homicide unit investigating inmate death at Elkhart County Jail

ELKHART, Ind. — A death investigation is underway after an inmate was discovered unresponsive Saturday in the Elkhart County Jail.

According to the Elkhart County Sheriff's Office, at approximately 5:35 a.m. on May 11, 51-year-old Brian Banister was found unresponsive by officers in his cell.

Officials say Banister was facing preliminary charges of resisting law enforcement and operating while intoxicated.

Banister was being held in the medical ward at the jail for treatment of an unspecified illness.

Correction’s medical personnel responded to the call and an ambulance arrived. Despite life-saving attempts, Banister was pronounced dead at the scene.

Per protocol, a death investigation is being conducted by the Elkhart County Homicide Unit.