An Iron Range man serving 48 years for murdering his ex-girlfriend died in custody Wednesday after several “seizure-like” activities in prison and during medical transportation.

Derek Malevich, 46, was pronounced dead in the early morning hours Aug. 12 after being transported to an area hospital from the St. Cloud 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 seizure-like activity” around 11:22 p.m. Thursday. 

Malevich was found unresponsive on the floor of his cell and medical services were called. He was verbally responsive but experienced another “seizure-like” incident while being prepared for transport. 

Loehrke said Malevich was placed on the floor in a “recovery position” and when emergency responders arrived, he experienced another incident while being moved to a gurney. 

“EMS began administering life-saving measures, including CPR,” Loehrke said. “At the request of EMS, correctional officers assisted with driving the ambulance so EMS personnel could continue providing CPR during transport.”