Key Takeaways
- A homicide investigation has been launched following the death of a prisoner at Mt Eden Corrections Facility
- The victim was taken to hospital with critical injuries after a serious assault on November 29 and succumbed to his injuries
- Police and Corrections are conducting separate investigations into the incident, including a review of the suitability of the victim’s cell placement
- The victim’s family will be kept informed of the progress of the investigations and will be provided with the findings once the review is complete
Introduction to the Incident
A homicide investigation has been launched following the death of a prisoner at Mt Eden Corrections Facility. The incident occurred on November 29, when a serious assault took place at the prison, resulting in the victim being taken to hospital with critical injuries. Detective Senior Sergeant Martin Friend stated that the male victim had remained in intensive care at Auckland City Hospital since the incident, but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries. The police had been conducting inquiries since late November, which have now become a homicide inquiry.
Police Investigation
The police investigation into the incident is ongoing, with Detective Senior Sergeant Martin Friend stating that the police had continued inquiries since late November. The investigation will now focus on the circumstances surrounding the victim’s death, with the results of a post-mortem pending. The police are working to establish the facts of the case and to identify those responsible for the victim’s death. The investigation is a complex and thorough process, and the police are committed to ensuring that justice is served.
Corrections Response
The acting general manager of Mt Eden Corrections Facility, Edith Pattinson, stated that the man’s death had been a "difficult and distressing time for his loved ones" and that the facility’s thoughts remain with them. Corrections is conducting a full review into the incident, which will include an investigation by the independent Corrections Inspectorate. The review will examine the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the suitability of the victim’s cell placement. Pattinson confirmed that the victim was in a shared cell and that the suitability of this placement is part of the review.
Support for the Victim’s Family
The victim’s family will be kept informed of the progress of the investigations, and once the review is complete, the findings will be shared with them. The facility has been in regular contact with the man’s family and will continue to provide support and updates as necessary. The death of a loved one is always a difficult and traumatic experience, and the facility is committed to ensuring that the family receives the support and answers they need during this difficult time.
Commitment to Improving Processes
Edith Pattinson stated that if the investigations and reviews identify areas where the facility needs to strengthen its processes, it is absolutely committed to acting on these with urgency. The facility recognizes that the death of a prisoner is a serious incident that requires a thorough and comprehensive response. The facility is committed to learning from the incident and to making any necessary changes to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. This commitment to improving processes and preventing similar incidents is an important part of the facility’s response to the incident.
Conclusion
The death of a prisoner at Mt Eden Corrections Facility is a serious incident that requires a thorough and comprehensive response. The police and Corrections are conducting separate investigations into the incident, including a review of the suitability of the victim’s cell placement. The facility is committed to supporting the victim’s family and to improving its processes to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. The investigation and review will provide important insights into the circumstances surrounding the incident and will help to ensure that justice is served.
