Man killed in high security unit at Eyman prison complex

An incarcerated man was killed Tuesday in a high security unit at the Eyman prison complex in Florence, according to the Arizona Department of Corrections.

The department said Eric Hill died on July 19 "when he was found unresponsive in his housing unit with injuries consistent with being involved in a physical altercation in his shared housing unit."

Hill was 51.

Prison staff attempted lifesaving measures, but were unsuccessful, according to a media release sent Thursday.

"Responding paramedics, in consultation with medical staff at Mountain Vista Medical Center in Mesa, declared Hill deceased," the department said.

A spokesperson said the department is conducting a criminal investigation, and the department "intends to fully pursue criminal prosecution of any suspect(s) identified to be involved in this case."

Hill's assigned housing location was Arizona State Prison Complex-Eyman. The Department of Corrections website shows Hill was in SMU 1, Complex Detention Unit, which is a location with the highest security restrictions in the state prison system.

Have a news tip on Arizona prisons? Reach the reporter at jjenkins@arizonarepublic.com or at 812-243-5582. Follow him on Twitter @JimmyJenkins.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Incarcerated man killed in high security unit at Eyman prison complex