An inmate at the Maximum Security Prison has been put into solitary confinement following the murder of prison officer Sherwin Francis last week.

The man is set to be questioned by investigators after reports he allegedly threatened the officer prior to his death.

Officer Francis was ambushed and shot at his Oasis Greens home in Chaguanas last Friday.

Acting Prisons Commissioner, Dennis Pulchan, while declining to give excessive detail as the matter is now being investigated by police, confirmed reports that Francis and the inmate had an exchange prior to his murder, over the inmate’s use of a contrabrand (cell phone) in his cell. 

Francis’ murder has also reignited a long standing call from the Prison Association, for officers to be better equipped to protect themselves and their families.

According to reports, a search for contraband items was carried out at several cells at the Arouca prison over the weekend, with several items being seized.