Inmate dies after fight with cellmate at Johnson County jail

FRANKLIN, Ind. (WISH) — An inmate died Thursday evening after an altercation with a cellmate at the Johnson County jail, according to the sheriff’s office.

The incident occurred at approximately 12:37 p.m. Thursday, according to a press release from the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office.

Police say the fight was between two inmates, 35-year-old Russell Blackwell of Greenwood, and 32-year-old Christian Howard of Indianapolis.

Police say jail staff found Blackwell in his cell with “injuries consistent with battery” and was taken to Johnson Memorial Hospital, but then transferred to IU Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis due to Blackwell’s medical condition.

IU Health Methodist Hospital notified the sheriff’s office at approximately 6:56 p.m. Thursday that Blackwell had died, according to the release.

Blackwell was transported back to Johnson County, where an autopsy was conducted on Friday.

Following the autopsy, investigators submitted additional paperwork to the Johnson County Prosecutor’s Office requesting a charge of voluntary manslaughter.

Howard was originally booked into the Johnson County jail on March 3 for auto theft and driving while suspended.