Woman dies in custody at Laramie County Detention Center
CHEYENNE (WNE) — A 47-year-old woman was found unresponsive in a holding cell Saturday night at the Laramie County Detention Center, according to a news release from the sheriff ’s office.
On Saturday at approximately 9:20 p.m., Patricia Kay Michaelis was taken into the Laramie County Detention Center by the Cheyenne Police Department on charges of shoplifting.
“Patricia was brought to us uncooperative. She refused to answer questions, but followed basic directions given by jail staff,” the news release said. “Medical staff conducted an initial medical assessment, where Patricia showed no indicators of needing medical clearance from the hospital before being housed. Patricia was searched and put into a holding cell in booking. Later, during routine checks, staff discovered that Patricia was unresponsive. Deputies and medical personnel immediately provided medical assistance, including CPR, in attempts to resuscitate Patricia.”
At 11:15 p.m., Michaelis was pronounced deceased by Cheyenne Fire and Rescue after she failed to respond to lifesaving measures. Her cause of death is unknown at this time, the release said.
The Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation has been asked to conduct an independent investigation of the incident. Once their review is complete, the findings will be shared with Sheriff Brian Kozak. The Laramie County Sheriff ’s Office will then provide additional information. This is an ongoing investigation.
This story was published on August 27, 2025.