An inmate was found injured at the state prison in Tucson Monday, and his death is being investigated as a homicide, authorities said.
Richard Noriega, 30, died Tuesday at Banner-University Medical Center South, according to an Arizona Department of Corrections news release.
Noriega was found by prison staff Monday afternoon in his housing location in the Rincon Unit at Arizona State Prison Complex-Tucson. Noriega was unresponsive, but breathing, authorities said.
He was taken to the hospital where he died the following day.
Investigators have reason to believe that Noriega died as a result of injuries he received during an assault by another inmate, said officials.
Noriega was serving 13 years out of Pima County for aggravated assault, forgery, unlawful use of transportation, and three counts of armed robbery.
The criminal investigation is ongoing, said officials.
