A third man has died this year inside Potosi Correctional Center in Mineral Point, according to the Missouri Department of Corrections. Officials yesterday identified the inmate as 22‑year‑old Cody Armistead, who was serving a 34‑year sentence for first‑degree murder and abandonment of a corpse out of Phelps County. Authorities have not released a cause of death.
Missouri DOC announces latest death
The department confirmed Armistead's death yesterday, as reported by First Alert 4. Officials said he was in DOC custody from Phelps County but did not immediately provide information about how or when he died.
Earlier deaths at the same facility
The January deaths of two other inmates at Potosi had already put a spotlight on the prison. Local outlet KFMO reported that 65‑year‑old Willie Crenshaw was pronounced dead on Jan. 14 and 48‑year‑old Ronald Halkmon was pronounced dead on Jan. 17. At the time, officials said autopsies were planned and had not yet released causes of death for either man.
Cause of death and autopsies
First Alert 4 reports that the Missouri DOC has not disclosed causes of death for Armistead, Crenshaw or Halkmon. KFMO previously noted that autopsies were expected to clarify the circumstances surrounding the January deaths and could inform any further review by state or local authorities.
About Potosi Correctional Center
Potosi Correctional Center is a state prison for men in Mineral Point that houses incarcerated people in minimum through maximum security units, according to the Missouri Department of Corrections facility listing. The DOC's facility page also provides the prison's address and contact information.
Officials have not released additional details about Armistead's death. This story will be updated as the state issues further statements or as autopsy findings become public through official records.
