Second Jail Suicide Devastates Devils Lake Family

Family calls for answers and accountability after two loved ones die by suicide in the same jail within three years.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 7:31pm

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A Devils Lake area family is mourning the loss of a second loved one to suicide at the same jail in three years. Brian Sailor, 67, was found dead in a shower at the jail on January 27, 2026, just two weeks after being booked for a failure-to-comply violation. This comes after the family's previous loss of 35-year-old Cassandra McDonald, who also died by suicide at the same jail in 2023. The family has filed a federal lawsuit against the jail, saying it failed to provide answers or implement safeguards to prevent such tragedies after Cassandra's death.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about mental health support and suicide prevention measures in local jails, especially after previous incidents. The family's lawsuit and call for accountability aim to prevent future such tragedies and ensure the jail is providing a safe environment for inmates.

The details

Brian Sailor had been battling a drug addiction in recent years, but his family never expected he would take his own life. He was booked into the jail two weeks ago and was planning to bail out on the day he died. The family had previously lost another relative, 35-year-old Cassandra McDonald, who also died by suicide at the same jail in 2023. The family is part of a federal lawsuit filed in October against the jail, alleging it failed to provide answers or implement safeguards after Cassandra's death.

  • Brian Sailor was found dead in the jail on January 27, 2026.
  • Cassandra McDonald died by suicide at the same jail in 2023.

The players

Brian Sailor

A 67-year-old man from the Devils Lake area who died by suicide in the local jail on January 27, 2026.

Cassandra McDonald

A 35-year-old woman who died by suicide at the same jail in 2023.

Julie Sailor

Brian Sailor's ex-wife, who is part of a federal lawsuit against the jail and is raising two of Cassandra McDonald's sons.

Starr Klemetsrud

The jail administrator who released a statement calling the situation "deeply tragic" and saying the jail is "reviewing all procedures related to inmate welfare."

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What they’re saying

“We lost somebody else to suicide and Brian always said that was stupid, selfish, so for him to do that, I don't understand.”

— Julie Sailor, Brian Sailor's ex-wife

“If you are incarcerated, that it is the people in charge, their responsibility to make sure you are OK. They're not going to hold your hand by any means, but they need to make sure you are OK and in a safe environment.”

— Julie Sailor, Brian Sailor's ex-wife

What’s next

The family's federal lawsuit against the jail is ongoing, and they hope it will lead to answers and accountability to prevent future such tragedies.

The takeaway

This heartbreaking case underscores the urgent need for jails to prioritize mental health support and suicide prevention measures to protect the wellbeing of all inmates, especially after previous incidents have occurred. The family's pursuit of answers and change aims to honor their loved ones and ensure no other families endure such devastating losses.