A state prison inmate was killed Tuesday at Elmore Correction Facility in central Alabama.

Alabama Department of Corrections officials identified the slain prisoner as 38-year-old Derrek Wendell Martin. He was severing of 20-year sentenced for drug possession out of Lawrence County.

The inmate-on-inmate assault happened at 6:20 a.m.

Prison spokeswoman Kelly Betts said the incident began as a verbal altercation that escalated into an assault.

Correctional officers found Martin on the floor, but he was still conscious when discovered. He was taken to Staton Health Care Unit where Betts said his condition rapidly deteriorated.

Life-saving measures were administered but unsuccessful. A physician pronounced him dead at the facility.

Inmate Antonio wan Thomas has been identified as the suspect. Charges against him are pending.

Thomas, 50, is serving a life sentence for first-degree robbery out of Montgomery County.

The investigation is ongoing.