GREENSVILLE, Va. — The inmate killed in a "brutal attack" inside Greensville Correctional Center in Jarratt early Tuesday morning was described by a family member as the father of a nine-year-old son.
While the inmate's name has not yet been officially released, that family member identified him to CBS 6 as 42-year-old Prince Brooks.
Brooks had ties to Charlottesville, Virginia.
State sources said the attack, which they described as "brutal" may have been preventable with proper staffing levels.
The Virginia Department of Corrections said the incident occurred just after 3 a.m. when an inmate was found on top of their cellmate, who was unresponsive.
Life-saving measures were attempted, and the inmate was transported to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.
WATCH: CBS 6 investigates two more inmate deaths at Greensville Correctional Center
This marks the seventh inmate death at the facility since CBS 6 investigative reporter Laura French first reported on concerns over staffing, security and drugs entering the prison in 2023.
Those sources told French those ongoing issues may have contributed to Tuesday's fatal incident.
According to those sources, the prison continues to struggle with severe staffing shortages.
Non-security staff are being required to assist with rounds and inmate checks during the day, while nights remain critically understaffed with most security posts vacant.
French reached out to the Virginia Department of Corrections to inquire about the alleged staffing shortages and received this statement:
“The security of VADOC facilities and the safety of our corrections team and inmate population remains our agency’s top priority. Staffing is a concern not just for the VADOC. Correctional systems and jails across the United States are experiencing staffing shortages. The Department aggressively recruits security and non-security candidates and utilizes new corrections technologies to help ensure safety and security."
This is a developing story. Email the CBS 6 Newsroom if you have additional information to share.
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