Bozeman, Mont. — Gallatin County Attorney Audrey Cromwell announced that a coroner’s jury found Jeffrey Scheihing died by suicide after an inquest reviewed his in-custody death.
Scheihing had been held at the Gallatin County Detention Center and later died at Billings Clinic on November 27, 2025, according to the inquest findings.
County Attorney Audrey Cromwell and Deputy County Attorney Clare Mack called six witnesses during the proceeding, including a forensic pathologist and several members of law enforcement.
After testimony and evidence review, the jury unanimously identified Scheihing as the deceased and confirmed he died November 27, 2025, in Billings. Jurors found his cause of death was complications of hanging and anoxic brain injury asphyxiation, or lack of oxygen to the brain. They also found the manner of death was suicide and that he did not die by criminal means.
Cromwell said the inquest was meant to give the public an independent review of what happened.
“Coroner’s inquests serve an important public function by providing an independent examination of the facts and circumstances surrounding an in-custody related death,” Cromwell said. “We are grateful to the jurors for their careful consideration of the evidence and to the witnesses and staff whose participation and work supported the inquest process.”
NonStop Local first reported Scheihing’s death in December. He was in jail after being arrested on charges of sexual abuse of children.
If you or anyone you know are in crisis or in need of emotional support, you can call the Montana Lifeline at 988 ... It is free and available 24/7.