A homicide investigation has been launched following the death of a Mt Eden Corrections Facility prisoner.
Detective Senior Sergeant Martin Friend said officers were notified by Corrections about a serious assault at the prison on November 29.
He said the male victim was taken to hospital with critical injuries.
“He has remained in intensive care at Auckland City Hospital since that time. Unfortunately, despite ongoing medical assistance, the man succumbed to his injures yesterday,” Friend said.
Police had continued inquiries since late November, which would now become a homicide inquiry.
“Our thoughts are with the man’s family at this difficult time,” he said.
Police inquiries into the man’s death would continue, with results of a post-mortem pending.
MECF acting general manager Edith Pattinson said the man’s death had been a “difficult and distressing time for his loved ones and our thoughts remain with them”.
“Police are investigating and Corrections is also carrying out a full review into this incident,” she said.
“An investigation by the independent Corrections Inspectorate will also be carried out. If these investigations and reviews identify areas where we need to strengthen our processes, we are absolutely committed to acting on these with urgency.”
Pattinson confirmed the victim was in a shared cell, and said the “suitability of this placement is part of our review into this matter”.
“Understandably, the victim’s family will have questions they would like answered. We have been in regular contact with the man’s family, and once our review is complete we will share the findings of this with them when we’re able to do so.
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