UPDATE, 06/01/2023
CAUSE OF DEATH DETERMINED
Nez Perce County, ID-
This week, the Spokane County Coroner concluded the autopsy results for Ms.
Rohrback-Skinner. In the interest of transparency, the cause of death was
determined to be arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, a rare disease
that is inherited. It is never easy to lose a loved one and it is even harder when
answers cannot be provided immediately. I want to take a moment and thank
the family for understanding this long process while we all waited for answers.
– Sheriff Bryce Scrimsher
Previous Statement from February: SHERIFF BRYCE SCRIMSHER about death in detention center
At approximately 6:30AM this morning, Nez Perce County Sheriff Detention
Deputies were notified by inmates in the general population of an unconscious
inmate. Detention Deputies rushed to the housing area and found Chelsea L
Rohrback-Skinner (38 yoa, Lewiston) to be deceased. Ms. RohrbackSkinner arrived at the Detention Center on 1/28/2023; and has been held
in custody for a probation violation, pending her next court date set
on 2/8/2023. The next of kin has been notified.
The Nez Perce County Sheriff’s Office immediately notified the Idaho State
Police to investigate the circumstances surrounding this incident including but
not limited to the cause and manner of death. My office will cooperate fully
with the Idaho State Police during this investigation. It is my understanding an
autopsy is pending. Any questions regarding the investigation should be
directed to the Idaho State Police.
The Nez Perce County Sheriff’s Office will conduct an internal review of existing
jail practices, protocols, and policies in conjunction with any medical
evaluations of the decedent. I want the public to know that I take this
occurrence in my jail seriously. As this internal investigation continues, I strive
to be transparent about what happened while respecting the ongoing
external investigation by an outside agency.
As soon as possible after the incident, I made counselors available to inmates
and detention staff who may need assistance in handling this tragedy. Thank
you to the inmates who called for help when one of their fellow inmates was in
trouble.
Sheriff Bryce Scrimsher
02/03/2023