An Iron Range man serving 48 years for murdering his ex-girlfriend died in custody Wednesday at an area hospital.

Derek Malevich, 46, was pronounced dead in the early morning hours Aug. 12 after being transported to an area hospital from the Rush City prison, the Minnesota Department of Corrections (DOC) confirmed to Iron Range Today. 

A death notice for Malevich was published online Friday. He pleaded guilty to fatally stabbing Kristen Bicking in 2021, just months after he was arrested for a domestic abuse allegation against her. 

DOC Communications Director Shannon Loehrke said correctional officers “responded to a report of an incarcerated person experiencing a medical emergency and requested emergency medical services.”

Loehrke said, “EMS personnel provided care on site and transported the individual, Derek Malevich, to an area hospital, where he was pronounced deceased at approximately 1:43 a.m. the following morning.”

This story was updated on Monday, Aug. 17, to reflect Rush City as the DOC facility. It also reflects medical information about Malevich being removed for potential privacy concerns.