Inmate found dead in Tucson prison cell; officials investigating as homicide

PHOENIX — The Arizona Department of Corrections was investigating after an inmate was found dead in his two-man cell on Thursday.

Victor Martinez, 32, was found unresponsive on the floor of his two-man cell by correctional staff at approximately 5:50 a.m. at the Arizona State Prison Complex – Tucson.

Martinez was pronounced dead around 6:30 a.m. after staff attempted life-saving measures.

The cause of death remains under investigation, but criminal investigators with the department are investigating the death as a homicide.

The Maricopa County Medical Examiner’s office was also assisting in the investigation.

Officials believe they have identified a suspect, but did not name who the suspect could be.

Martinez had been in custody since 2013. He was sentenced to 45 years and six months in prison for second-degree murder, child abuse, destruction of public jail and aggravated assault.

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