Philip White, 29, dies while in custody; autopsy scheduled for Nov. 3
On Friday, Oct. 31, 2025, at approximately 5:12 p.m., Howard County Correctional Officers were notified by an inmate that a male inmate was unconscious inside a cell in a housing unit of the Howard County Jail.
Correctional officers and medical staff immediately responded and began rendering aid until paramedics from Ascension St. Vincent Kokomo Hospital and firefighters from the Kokomo Fire Department arrived to assist. Despite lifesaving measures, the inmate was pronounced deceased at 5:48 p.m. by the paramedics. The inmate was identified as Phillip Deangelo White, age 29, of Kokomo, Ind.
The death investigation was turned over to Det. Josh Maller of the Indiana State Police and the Howard County Coroner’s Office. They are being assisted by Howard County Sheriff’s Office detectives, deputies, and correctional officers.
An autopsy is being scheduled under the direction of the Howard County Coroner’s Office on Mon., Nov. 3, 2025. No foul play is suspected at this time.
Mr. White’s family was notified prior to the release of his identity. The case remains under investigation by the Indiana State Police and the Howard County Coroner’s Office. Any further updates will be provided through the Indiana State Police.
White was the second inmate to expire while in custody of the sheriff’s office in October. Alan Booher, 68, passed away in custody on Oct. 3, 2025. Another inmate, whose identity was never released by the sheriff’s office, attempted suicide while in the jail in July.
Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact Det. Josh Maller of the Indiana State Police at 765-473-6666 or the Howard County Coroner’s Office at 765-456-1186. You also may submit a tip through the sheriff’s office mobile app or at www.sheriff.howardcountyin.gov.