Prisoner found dead after cell fight

Shane Superville

A 48-year-old prisoner has died after an alleged assault at the Maximum Security Prison in Arouca, prompting a police investigation.

Christopher Banfield was found unresponsive in his cell around 5.30 a.m. on Tuesday during routine inspections by prison officers.

Police said an officer noticed Banfield lying in a fetal position on the floor. He reportedly had a swollen face and blood was seen coming from his mouth. Other officers were alerted and Banfield was taken to the prison infirmary, where no vital signs were detected.

A district medical officer later pronounced him dead and ordered the removal of the body.

Officers from the Arouca Police Station and the Region II Homicide Bureau visited the prison and conducted enquiries.

According to investigators, interviews with Banfield’s cellmates revealed he was involved in an argument with another inmate on Monday night which escalated into a fight.

Police were told Banfield sustained several blows to the head, face and body during the altercation.

His body was taken to a funeral home pending a post-mortem examination.

So far there has been no response from acting Prisons Commissioner Carlos Corraspe

Investigations are continuing.