By Lisa Pett

An inmate at the Portage County Jail was formally charged on Monday for allegedly assisting in the suicide attempt of another inmate.

Brian Kraus, 19, appeared via video feed, saying the two planned to kill themselves together.

According to the criminal complaint, Kraus assisted Larry Sanchez, 59, by helping secure a noose made out of ripped and braided towels around his neck.

Sanchez is the Bancroft man accused of shooting and killing his wife on June 3 and is behind bars on a $1 million dollar cash bond.

Kraus is being held on a $25,000 cash bond after allegedly setting fire to the Church St. Dollar General on May 7.

Video footage from the jail shows Kraus, who was Sanchez’s cell mate, talking with Sanchez as he secured braided towels around Sanchez’s neck.

Kraus then returned to his bunk and covered himself with a blanket while Sanchez spent at least seven minutes leaning forward in the noose hanging from door in their cell, trying to cut off his air supply.

During that time, Kraus never attempted to stop Sanchez. Jail staff found Sanchez and rendered aid before transporting him to the hospital for further treatment. He was released a short time later.

Kraus admitted to deputies he was aware Sanchez was going to attempt suicide and stated that the pair planned to kill themselves together.

Kraus was issued a $10,000 signature bond on this case and his initial appearance was adjourned until September 28.