Death of Middle Georgia prison inmate launches investigation of possible homicide

A fight in a Middle Georgia prison left one inmate dead and another the subject of an investigation into a possible homicide.

Daniel Martinez, who was serving time at Telfair State Prison for armed robbery and aggravated assault in Clayton County, died July 27 after an altercation with another inmate, according to a news release from the Georgia Department of Corrections.

“Agents have reason to believe Martinez died as a result of injuries sustained,” the release stated.

Martinez, who was convicted in 2012, was pronounced dead at 11:15 p.m. July 27 by Telfair County Coroner Jarvis Barnes.

The Georgia Department of Corrections’ Office of Professional Standards is investigating Martinez’s death.

GBI crime scene technicians processed the scene at the prison, Scott Whitley, special agent in charge of the Eastman investigative office, told The Telegraph Thursday.

The facility, which opened in 1992 on Longbridge Road, has capacity to house 1,400 inmates, according to its website.

The department announced on Facebook early Saturday that the day’s scheduled visitation was canceled at the prison, although no explanation was given at the time.

This story was originally published August 2, 2018 at 5:59 AM.