Man stabbed to death in Cloverhill cell named as Gardai to launch murder probe

Prison officers rushed to the scene of a violent incident and two prisoners were removed from the cell

Gardai are set to launch a murder investigation after a prisoner was stabbed to death in his cell in Dublin’s Cloverhill Prison.

The Irish Mirror has learned that Martin Salinger from Ballyfermot, west Dublin, was found dead in his cell on the D1 landing of the remand prison at around 5am this morning.

Prison officers rushed to the scene of a violent incident and two prisoners were removed from the cell.

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The third prisoner, Mr Salinger, who was in his 40s, was discovered dead inside - in what sources described as a "very bloody scene."

It is suspected that he was stabbed to death.

One of the other prisoners was also injured in the incident - with a number of cuts on his body.

Sources say it is believed the victim was stabbed with an improvised shank-like weapon.

Mr Salinger was on remand awaiting trial in relation to the alleged seizure of cannabis and a handgun.

His body remains at the prison at this time, with the cell area being declared a crime scene.

The suspect has been removed to a close supervision cell, while the other injured man is being treated for non-life threatening injuries.

Sources say all three prisoners were being held on the D1 landing away from the main prison population - as they were deemed to be unruly.

A Garda Senior Investigating Officer has been appointed to lead the investigation and a Family Liaison Officer has been assigned to Mr Salinger’s family.

In a statement gardai said: "Gardaí at Ronanstown are investigating all the circumstances surrounding the death of a prisoner at Cloverhill Prison in Dublin on Saturday, 5th October 2024.

"Shortly after 5:30 a.m., Gardaí and emergency services were alerted by prison authorities to an incident within the prison. A man in his 40s, who was injured during the incident, received treatment from emergency services but was pronounced deceased a short time later.

"The scene remains preserved for a full forensic and technical examination. The Coroner has been notified and the services of the State Pathologist and Garda Technical Bureau have been requested."

In a statement the Irish Prison Service said it "can confirm the death of a person in custody in Cloverhill Prison on 5th October 2024. This incident is being investigated by An Garda Síochána and it would not be appropriate to comment further.

"All deaths in custody are also investigated by the office of the Inspector of Prisons. The Irish Prison Service wish to express our condolences to the deceased’s family and friends."

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