A murder investigation is currently underway following the death of a 43-year-old inmate at Cloverhill Prison in Dublin early this morning. The prisoner was discovered unresponsive around 5:30 AM after prison authorities were alerted to a disturbance in a cell on the D wing, where he was housed with two other inmates.
The deceased man, from Ballyfermot in west Dublin, had a history of involvement in serious and organized crime and was known to local law enforcement, including the Gardaí. He had previously been targeted by the Dublin Crime Response Team. Last August, armed officers arrested him after stopping a vehicle in Ballyfermot, during which they seized a kilogram of cannabis and a handgun. Following the incident, he faced charges related to drugs and firearms and was awaiting trial at Cloverhill Prison when the fatal incident occurred.
In addition to the victim, a second inmate sustained injuries described as non-life-threatening and is currently receiving medical treatment. Both he and the third inmate in the cell have been relocated to different areas of the prison for questioning by Garda detectives.
Authorities have secured the scene of the incident, and both the Office of the State Pathologist and the Garda Technical Bureau have been called in to assist with the investigation. A Senior Investigating Officer from the Garda has been appointed to oversee the case, and a Family Liaison Officer has been designated to support the victim’s family during this difficult time.
The Irish Prison Service has expressed its condolences to the family of the deceased inmate and emphasized that all deaths in custody, including this case, will be subject to investigation by the Office of the Inspector of Prisons.
Gardaí continue to pursue leads in the investigation and are working to establish a motive behind the attack that resulted in the inmate’s death. The incident has raised concerns regarding safety and violence within the prison system, prompting calls for a thorough review of conditions and protocols at Cloverhill.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities are appealing for any witnesses or individuals with information to come forward to assist in uncovering the circumstances surrounding this tragic event.