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Died in prison

Stephen Scott Washington

40 years old · died October 9, 2025 · Rush City Correctional Facility, Chisago County, Minnesota

Stephen Scott Washington, 40, was described by his family as a devoted father, entrepreneur and athlete who played football at Edison High School in Minneapolis. He died on October 9, 2025, at the Minnesota Correctional Facility in Rush City, where he had been placed in a cell with another man that morning. Officers found him unconscious on the floor after an alarm was raised, and he was pronounced dead that afternoon. The Midwest Medical Examiner's Office ruled his death a homicide, citing blunt force and possible asphyxial injuries, and a criminal complaint says his cellmate attacked him during a fight. His family says they have received little information and is demanding a full timeline, housing records and video footage.

Cause of death, as reported: Killed by another person in custody (disputed). The Midwest Medical Examiner's Office ruled the death a homicide from blunt force and possible asphyxial injuries, and a criminal complaint says his cellmate beat him; his family disputes that the cause has been explained and demands an independent investigation.

Reported by: Minnesota Department of Corrections (the agency that held him); Midwest Medical Examiner's Office (medical examiner or coroner); Chisago County criminal complaint; Alissa Washington, family spokesperson (family or their lawyers).

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