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Cook Co. Courthouse Shooting Suspect Has Died

DULUTH, Minn. (WCCO) -- The man accused of shooting inside a northern Minnesota courthouse earlier this month has died.

Daniel Schlienz, 42, was being held in the St. Louis County jail since the shooting that took place Dec. 15. The St. Louis County Sheriff's Office said on Monday night, Schlienz showed signs of medical distress.

Jail staff called 911 and Schlienz was transported to St. Mary's Hospital in Duluth. Authorities said Schlienz died around 8 a.m. with his family members present.

An autopsy will be performed. At this time, the St. Louis County Sheriff's Office said no foul play is suspected. Schlienz had been in an intensive supervision unit and jail staff was checking on his condition.

Schlienz was accused of shooting two people and injuring another in Cook County. Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson filed six charges against Schlienz in Cook County District Court on Dec. 19 including two counts of premeditated attempted murder.

According to the criminal charges, Schlienz was at the Cook County courthouse where he had been found guilty of a criminal sexual assault charge. After the ruling, Schlienz got a gun from his truck and returned to the courthouse, headed towards to the county attorney's office.

The criminal complaint said Schlienz then pulled out a .25 caliber semi-automatic pistol and shot Gary Thompson, a witness in the case against Schlienz, who was just leaving the office. Schlienz then went into the office and shot Cook County Attorney Tim Scannell in the chest. Both Thompson and Scannell suffered injuries but have since been released from the hospital.

A Cook County Sheriff's Deputy and state trooper were able to get the gun from Schlienz who was then arrested.

Schlienz was being held pending $2 million in bail.

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