A Mexico man has been sentenced to life in prison in the death of a fellow inmate at the Audrain County Jail.

Ryan Blair, 32, was sentenced at the Audrain County Courthouse on Tuesday, July 25, by specially assigned Adair County Judge Russell Steele, to life in prison without the possibility of parole in the first degree murder of Michael Eisenhauer, Centralia, who was 42 years old at the time of his death.  Blair also pleaded guilty to Assault of a Law Enforcement Officer, Endangering A Corrections Officer, and Assault of a Special Victim for crimes occurring in June, 2019 and November, 2018.

 “Mr. Blair’s deliberate actions resulted directly in Michael Eisenhauer’s death,” Audrain County Prosecutor Jacob Shellabarger said. “This savage and terrible attack took a son and a brother from his family, and caused immeasurable pain to those surviving family members. Our sympathies are with them today, as well as a hope that they will be comforted that this murderer was held accountable.” 

The murder occurred on June 13, 2019 while both men were incarcerated in the Audrain County Jail. Blair had been in jail about six months on warrants for third degree assault. Blair admitted to investigators that he planned out the attack against Eisenhauer.

 “The Boone County Sheriff’s Office, as special investigators for this case, worked a thorough, professional and efficient investigation,” Shellabarger said. “These officers and investigators are examples of excellent investigation and advocacy work, protecting & serving our community with compassion and care. “