Shane Superville
Police say inmates who shared a cell with murder accused Christopher Banfield, who was beaten to death at the Arouca Maximum Security Prison, have not yet been interviewed as investigations into the incident continue.
Banfield, 46, reportedly got into an argument with a cellmate on Monday night. A fight allegedly broke out during which he was severely beaten.
His body was found on the floor of the cell at 5.30 am on Tuesday. Investigators reported that he had swelling to his face and head, and blood was oozing from his mouth.
Police said that while a suspect had been identified, inmates housed in that section of the prison were classified as mental health patients and would require psychological assessments before investigators could interview them.
“They all need to undergo some assessment to determine whether they have the mental fortitude and capacity to sit through an interview with investigators,” a police source said.
“We haven’t received any response from the prison so far on this, but the matter is actively under investigation.”
Banfield, of Flanagin Town, was charged with the murder of his 75-year-old father, Peter Banfield, in June 2025.
Following his first court appearance, he was ordered to undergo a psychiatric assessment at the St Ann’s Psychiatric Hospital.
Police from the Region II Homicide Bureau are continuing investigations.
