Police are investigating the death of an inmate at a Maple Ridge women's prison as a murder.
On Friday, Ridge Meadows RCMP received a report about an unresponsive woman at the Alouette Correctional Center for Women.
She was taken to hospital where she was pronounced dead.
Sgt. Jennifer Pound said the RCMP's Integrated Homicide Investigation Team was called in after police suspected foul play contributed to the woman's death.
The victim has since been identified as April Peregooda, 51. Her family has been notified. Prior to her incarceration, Peregooda lived in Vernon.
“This investigation is in the initial stages and IHIT is looking to obtain information about the motive and circumstances leading up to the homicide by speaking with other inmates," said Pound.
Another inmate has been arrested in connection with the homicide, but she has yet to be charged.
An autopsy is scheduled and RCMP said it will help them determine the cause of death.