Death investigation underway for 41-year-old inmate at Milwaukee County Jail

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) --- A death investigation is underway after a 41-year-old man was found unresponsive in his cell at the Milwaukee County Jail on Sunday, March 14.

According to the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office, the inmate was pronounced dead at 11:59 p.m., almost 40 minutes after he was found.

Officials say the inmate has been identified as Nicholas Sonsthagen of Milwaukee. 

The sheriff's office says Sonsthagen was initially booked into custody on March 10, and made statements indicating an intent to cause self-harm. He was placed on suicide watch. 

On March 13, Sonsthagen was medically cleared and returned to a general population housing unit.

MCSO says correctional officers perform cell inspections once every 30 minutes.

The Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office has requested that the Waukesha County Sheriff's Department conduct an independent investigation into the incident.