Inmate dies after allegedly setting cell on fire, prison on lockdown

MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. -

Flames, smoke, and a locked jail cell made for a deadly combination in Michigan City.

An official investigation now has the Indiana State Prison on lockdown.

Jail officials confirm an inmate is dead after he reportedly started a fire in his cell.

Joshua Devine, 30, allegedly started the fire around 9:45 p.m. Friday. 

The fire was contained to his cell but the building filled with smoke and Devine died on scene.

A spokesperson for the prison says Devine was serving a 16-year sentence for attempted robbery in Marion County. 

His estimated release date was July of 2023. 

The spokesperson said they are looking into Devine and if he showed any warning signs of being suicidal.

But she says everything seemed normal at the last check-- less than an hour before the fire.

“At 9 p.m. our officials went through our standard count time. Count is where all offenders are physically observed and counted or we have that 5 times a day, and everything was fine at 9 p.m.” said Pam James, spokesperson for Indiana State Prison. 

An autopsy scheduled for Monday at St. Anthony’s Hospital.