Miami County, IN – Detectives with the Indiana State Police have opened an investigation into the death of an inmate at the Miami Correctional Facility earlier today, authorities announced Friday. The inquiry began on December 5, 2025, following a request from facility officials.
According to state police, investigators from the Criminal Investigations Division at the Peru Post responded after a 38-year-old inmate was found dead inside the facility. The inmate was identified by officials as Anthony Barbee. Family notification has been completed, police said.
Troopers reported that the Miami County Coroner’s Office and investigators from the Miami Correctional Facility are assisting in the ongoing investigation. An autopsy has been scheduled to determine the exact cause and manner of death. No preliminary findings have been released.
Officials emphasized that the investigation remains active and that no additional details will be provided at this stage. The Indiana State Police frequently conduct independent investigations into in-custody deaths at the request of correctional institutions to ensure transparency and thorough review.
The Miami Correctional Facility, located northwest of Peru and serving much of north-central Indiana, houses adult male offenders in multiple security levels. The facility has been the subject of several prior investigations in recent years related to inmate safety and operational oversight, though state police did not indicate whether the latest incident is connected to any previous concerns.
Authorities urge the public to await verified updates once the autopsy is completed and investigators are able to release further information.
